Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. And that frequency is expected to increase to every 33 seconds by 2050.
They are not clustered in nursing homes being cared for only by specialists. In fact, most people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia live right here in our communities. They visit banks, shop at grocery stores, eat in restaurants, attend worship services, browse libraries, and go to medical appointments — just like the rest of us.
But the burden on them and their caregivers - can be tremendous. Confusing signage, loud music, uneven flooring, and overstimulating environments can lead to stress and outings that end in frustration. A rushed customer service encounter can cause disorientation and fear. Even when those living with dementia have visited the same organizations for years, the familiar can suddenly become unfamiliar and lead to a withdraw from public life that hastens their decline.
Now imagine something different. Imagine if employees and volunteers were trained to recognize the signs of dementia and respond with patience and understanding. Imagine spaces evaluated for safety and calm. Imagine staff who are flexible, supportive, and confident in how to help.
The result? More successful transactions and more dignified experiences for those living with dementia. More opportunities for them to remain engaged in community life. And, for their caregivers, less frustration and greater satisfaction.
Fortunately, a dementiafriendly movement is underway to ensure that people living with dementia have the resources they need to live independently and well for as long as possible.
Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), through a partnership with Dementia Friendly America, trains organizations to become dementia friendly. By participating in sector-specific Dementia Friends at Work programs, employees and volunteers learn about dementia, as well as practical action steps they can take to create environments that are more inclusive for those living with the disease.
Organizations that process these steps will receive a window cling or certificate to indicate their dementia-friendly status to patrons, promotion on the VPAS website, and ongoing support and resources as needed.
Becoming a dementiafriendly organization can boost staff confidence, enhance customer service and increase loyalty. But perhaps most importantly, it can help create communities where everyone can age well.
To learn more about becoming a dementiafriendly organization, contact Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS program director, at (540) 615-5341 or [email protected].
