Page 10 - S36.Autumn 2019

were shopping and visited their bank nearby. Alone, she became confused and agitated, so the po- lice were called. With Dementia Friendly training, chances are that the bank staff would have interact- ed with Cindy’s mom differently. And there may not have been any reason to call the police.
Joanne Kelleher, Donna Ayer, Carolyn Bean, Katy O’Leary
you will see decals on doors signaling that staff has been trained. After a free 60 to 90-minute Demen- tia-Friendly Training, individuals will:
n Understand the difference between natural aging and dementia
n Gain knowledge about the different types of de- mentia
n Recognize the signs of dementia
nCommunicate effectively with individuals with dementia
n Locate resources and assistance for individuals and care partners affected by dementia
n Create a welcoming and safe environment.
Consider Cindy, a resident whose mom is liv- ing at home with Alzheimer’s Disease. Recently, her mom left a store where she and Cindy’s dad
10
Southington Magazine — Autumn 2019
Some of the Dementia Friendly Southington Action Team
Join the effort? Learn more about the Dementia Friendly Southington initiative by contacting:
Katy O’Leary
Director of Community Development LiveWell (Formerly Alzheimer’s Resource Center) 860-628-3062 koleary@livewell.org www.DementiaFriendsCT.org
What will a Dementia Friendly Southington look like and how do we know when we can claim that distinction? In truth a community can never be absolutely Demen- tia Friendly. We can, however, be a community where those who in- teract with the public are trained to be aware of the special needs
people living with dementia may have. And a com- munity where residents are dementia aware. Ide- ally, businesses and organizations will also make accommodations to their environment, like family restrooms, and their procedures, like offering de- mentia friendly training for new employees.