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Dementia Friendly Frederick
Dementia Live Program
Looking for a deeper understanding into the lives of people with dementia? Join us for one of our Dementia Live training offered throughout the county. This simulation is aimed at helping us all develop more awareness, sensitivity and better communication and care practices.
January-May Schedule (PDF)
What is Dementia Friendly America?
Dementia Friendly America (DFA) is a national network of communities, organizations and individuals seeking to ensure that communities across the U.S. are equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia friendly communities foster the ability of people living with dementia to remain in the community and engage and thrive in day to day living.
When did DFA begin?
The DFA movement began in September 2015 following the White House Conference on Aging and is based upon Minnesota’s statewide successful initiative, ACT on Alzheimer's. DFA launched in 2015 with pilot communities in Denver, CO; Prince George's County, MD; Santa Clara County, CA; Tempeh, AZ; and the state of West Virginia.
What is a Dementia Friendly Community?
A dementia friendly community is a village, town, city or county that is an informed, safe and respectful place for individuals with the disease, their families and caregivers. A Dementia Friendly community provides supportive options that foster quality of life. Through membership in Dementia Friendly America, a community pledges to engage in a process to become more dementia friendly.
Why become a Dementia Friendly Community?
More than 110,00 people in Maryland are living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. This number is projected to increase to 130,000 by 2025. We know that for every person diagnosed with dementia there are at least 3-4 people, spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, and colleagues, whose lives are profoundly affected.
In May 2018, a dedicated group of community partners assessed related needs, recruited community members, created goals, and set in motion a plan for Frederick to become a Dementia Friendly Community called Dementia Friendly Frederick.
Vision for Dementia Friendly Frederick
A Dementia Friendly Community is one that is "informed, safe, and respectful of people with dementia and their families. "A community that considers the needs of all its members and elevated that quality of life for those living with dementia and their caregivers throughout all sectors - from first responders to librarians, local businesses to restaurant workers, and everything in between.
Frederick County, Maryland was granted membership in the Dementia Friendly America network in 2019. Frederick County is committed to raise awareness about dementia. Ultimately, our collective goal is to elevate the quality of life for those living with dementia and their caregivers. Becoming Dementia Friendly is not a destination but a journey and commitment to not stop until every area of our community is Dementia Friendly, or better yet, there is a cure for this disease.
We will continue to strive for understanding, awareness, and sensitivity to people living with dementia and their caregivers so Frederick County can be a fantastic place to live, work, and age for everyone.
> Provided dementia simulation training, using Dementia Live™, to:
- Frederick County Adult Services Division
- Adult Evaluation and Review Services staff
- Senior Services Division staff
- Frederick Community College Institute for Learning in Retirement
- Several community based locations throughout the county including libraries, senior centers, municipal building and more
- 380+ member of the County’s Division of Fire and Rescue Services along with take-a-way information about best practices in recognizing and communicating with people with dementia
- Several local colleges nursing classes
> Frederick County Senior Services Division, the Alzheimer’s Association, Frederick Community College Institute for Learning in Retirement, and AARP partnered to offer a free movie screening and panel to kick off the County’s commitment to Dementia Friendly
> Business Subcommittee developed a training to offer to local businesses committed to being Dementia Friendly
> Developed a Dementia Friendly Frederick logo for use
> In partnership with Lewy Body Dementia Association, offered a virtual showing of SPARK documentary. The event also included a speaker panel.
Moving Forward
Will reach out to other community groups including:
Restaurants
Banks and other financial institutions
Faith based organizations
Grocery and Department stores
Libraries
Workplaces
Community members
Transportation agencies
Neighborhoods
Frederick County Dementia Friendly America
Steering Committee
- Mary Collins, Social Worker, Daybreak
- Lee Comstock, Former Caregiver and Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer
- Robert J. Hawley, Ph.D., RBP, SM(NRCM), CBSP, Independent Consultant, Biological Safety and Security, and Alzheimer’s Advocate
- Mindy Lohman-Hinz, Program Coordinator, Frederick County Senior Services Division
- Kathy Siggins, Alzheimer’s Advocate and former Caregiver
- Evie VanderMeer, Caregiver, Younger-onset Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s Advocate
- Megeen White, MS, RN, Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Maryland Chapter
- Beth Montgomery, Your Oasis Advisor
- Matthew Burgan, Medic, Division of Fire and Rescue Services
- Lucia Paris, Certified Alzheimer's/Dementia Educator, Brain Longevity Specialist, Advocate
- Thea Ruff, Retired RN after almost 50 years of experience. Current chair of the Senior Services Advisory Board. Has served as a caregiver to both her parents and husband.
- Brad Petersen, Director - Resource and Service Navigation, Frederick County Senior Services Division
How can I get involved as an individual and/or as an organization?
Become a Dementia Friend Online
Contact Dementia Friendly Frederick DementiaFriendlyFrederick@FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-600-1234 to find out more about current initiatives, ways to get involved or how your organization can become a Dementia Friendly Frederick Partner.
How to Become a Dementia Friendly Business or Organization
1. Pledge to be a Dementia Friendly Business or Organization
As a business serving customers/clients within Frederick County, commit to becoming dementia aware by
- Learning more about dementia
- Learning how you can provide better service to those living with dementia in our community
- Training your employees to become sensitive to the needs of people living with dementia and those who support them
- Supporting efforts to make Frederick County a Dementia Friendly community
2. Participate in a free 30-Minute Training for Management and Staff
- Understand dementia
- Recognize the signs and symptoms
- Learn tips for communicating and interacting with a person who may have dementia
- Get ideas for creating a dementia friendly physical space
3. Take Action to create an enviroment that is safe, respectful, and welcoming for people living with dementia and their familes.
4. Proudly Display your Dementia Friendly Frederick Partner window cling.