Our speakers Eric and Bernadette Russo presented a program on behalf of The Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, which is a sub-committee of the Walworth Counting Aging Network. This is a “no” profit organization lead by Eric and his wife, Bernadette.

 

As part of this initiative, their organization advocates for the creation of “dementia friendly communities”.  What is a dementia friendly community?  It is a community that works to provide a safe environment for those with dementia.  Those with dementia are treated with dignity and understanding in the community in which they have lived most of their lives. It allows individuals suffering from dementia to stay socially activity, with out feeling like an outsider in their own community.   Such a community helps people feel supported in places where they live, work, and play.  By creating an awareness and educating citizens in communities throughout Walworth County, this organization works to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia.  Eric Russow stated it is about, “ Raising awareness and transforming attitudes.” Bernadette Russow stressed the importance of providing compassion to the care gives, as well as preserving the dignity of those suffering from dementia.

 

When defining a community, the Russows stressed that it is often a “small group” within the larger community that can include a civic organization, a church congregation,  or local businesses.  Individuals can look for the purple angel symbol, which is an international symbol, that signals that a particular site (restaurant, business…) have worked to train their staff members to work with those with dementia.   This training may include: how to communicate effectively and assist those with dementia, what resources area available in the area, ways to assist the care giver accompanying one with dementia, and how to provide an environment to help them navigate the setting more easily. This training also creates awareness with the employer about how to provide support for employees who may have a family member suffering with dementia.  At the present time, this organization is working on training all of the first responders in Walworth County, and has already trained the Elkhorn Police department. The Memory Café, an integral part of this organization, is also held at the Elkhorn Memorial Library.

 

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept 15^th if you would like to participate in the 12^th annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  It begins in Lake Geneva in Library Park.  Register today at: alz.org/walk.