MARION — Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman and Council on Aging Director Karen Gregory are pleased to share that the Marion Council on Aging has begun efforts to become a Dementia Friendly Community, as recognized by Dementia Friendly America Massachusetts (DFM).
Dementia Friendly America Massachusetts is an initiative of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and a member of Dementia Friendly America. The state-wide grassroots movement, supported by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation, is comprised of organizations, individuals, and municipalities growing dementia-friendly communities.
The Marion Council on Aging is currently seeking a team of community members who are committed to increasing dementia-friendly attitudes through education, research and action.
On Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m., the Marion Council on Aging will host Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Project Director Patty Sullivan to introduce interested community members to the initiative. All are welcome to attend, no commitment required, to learn more about expanding dementia care, resources and acceptance in Marion.
The goal of Dementia Friendly America Massachusetts is to increase the number of municipalities around the Commonwealth that commit to supporting those living with dementia, their families and care partners, by signing the DFM pledge. The organization formally acknowledges communities that sign the DFM pledge by awarding a certificate of recognition.
By accepting the certificate, community members and municipalities pledge to promote inclusivity and humanity by acknowledging the human dignity of individuals with dementia, and providing supportive programming, welcoming environments and opportunities to learn about dementia. Dementia-friendly communities investigate needs and possibilities for action that are specific to their residents, and work to support people with dementia and their care partners.
In recent years, to better support individuals with dementia and their caregivers, the Marion Council on Aging established The Marion Waterfront Memory Café in 2016, a weekly gathering for adults diagnosed with early to moderate Alzheimer’s or other memory loss, as well as their caregivers. The weekly gathering allows these individuals to come together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment where everyone can interact, find support, establish friendships and share concerns. Memory Cafés are held in communities across the country.
“We encourage anyone interested in learning more about the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts initiative and our work in Marion to attend September’s information session,” said Director Gregory. “With the support of our community, we hope to strategically implement programming to better serve our community members with dementia.”
According to Dementia Friendly America Massachusetts, an estimated 130,000 people in Massachusetts live with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to climb. The Commonwealth’s population is aging at a faster rate, with Massachusetts now having more residents over the age of 60 than under the age of 20.
Anyone with questions about the informational session or initiative in Marion can contact the Council on Aging at 508-748-3570.
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