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Southington Works to Become CT’s First “Dementia-Friendly Community”
by Katy O’Leary Bannister
Director of Community Development, LiveWell Dementia Specialists
Judy and Jim Duquette have spent much of their adult lives in South-
ington. They’ve raised
two children here and
feel any different at the moment,” said Judy over coffee in town not long ago. The Duquettes are al- ready very familiar with the disease, as Judy’s mom died from Alzheimer’s seven years ago. They have a sense of the challenges they will eventually face to-
gether, and after 50 years of marriage, Jim has a passionate commitment to be there for Judy “no matter what.”
But as the disease progresses, Judy will need to rely on a wider circle to support her journey,
including friends and strangers alike.
Which is why the couple reached out to learn
about Dementia Friendly Southington. This two- year-old initiative is designed to support people like the Duquettes, who are living at home with demen-
have made themselves
a part of the fabric of
this strong community
through Judy’s volun-
teering at Bradley Hos-
pital and attending their
events. It’s a community
main active as they face a new challenge – Judy’s recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
“I still cannot believe I have Alzheimer’s. I don’t
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children’s many sporting in which they want to re-
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