The mission of the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative is to create a local community where people living with dementia are supported to enjoy a high quality of life with meaning, purpose, and value. The mission of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Dementia Friendly Community Initiative is to create a local community where people living with dementia are supported to enjoy a high quality of life with mea
ning, purpose, and value. We seek to foster a dementia-friendly community by educating the community on the signs of dementia and how best to interact with a person living with dementia and by encouraging all sectors of the community to adopt dementia-friendly practices. Who… can particapaye to a dementia friendly community? In a dementia-friendly community, every part of the community plays a role and works together to create a dementia-friendly culture. It’s all about “partnerships”: Partnerships with those diagnosed with dementia; partnerships with those caring for loved ones with dementia; partnerships with religious organizations; partnerships with schools; and partnerships with businesses and the community to promote awareness of dementia. What… is a dementia-friendly community? Dementia Friendly is much more than simply being kind to those impacted by dementia. A dementia-friendly community is one where those living with Alzheimer’s and their care partners feel respected, supported, and included in everyday community life. A landmark announcement made in July 2015 at the White House Conference on Aging launched the start of Dementia Friendly America. Communities across the country are actively modeling the Dementia Friendly America movement, demonstrating collaborative, community-level change to foster dementia friendliness. Those with dementia say they feel marginalized by society and feel excluded by friends, neighbors, and everyday community life. Communities, counties and even entire states are now taking action to change this. Brevard County is one of the communities that has expressed an interest in putting Dementia Friendly Florida “on the map.”
Why… are there dementia-friendly communities? With 10,000 people daily turning 65, and age being the greatest risk factor for dementia, Brevard County is committed to raising awareness throughout the state, striving to reduce stigma and fostering individual engagement through training and participation within a “dementia-friendly community.” Having a solid community of people we can trust enough to be vulnerable with and who will sustain us through difficult times is a foundational part of life. Imagine a community where people with dementia feel included, respected, and valued, where they can participate in activities that are meaningful to them.
