An update from Kelsey Lieungh and Ashley D.Stevens, Co-Chairs, Dementia Friendly Charlotte MecklenburgDementia Friendly Charlotte Mecklenburg (DFCM) is a grassroots initiative powered by Centralina Area Agency on Aging and the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services.The mission is simple but powerful: to educate our community about what it means to live well with dementia and to create environments where all individuals, especially those experiencing cognitive changes, can thrive.Growing a Dementia-Friendly RegionDFCM is part of a statewide movement working closely with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), the Coalition for a Dementia-Capable North Carolina, and NC CARES.
Together, these partners drive policy, education, and caregiver support aimed at creating communities where people living with dementia can remain engaged and supported.Since 2023, DFCM has made significant strides:562 new Dementia Friends have been created across the region.23 new Dementia Champions have been trained across six counties within the nine-county region, strengthening dementia awareness and outreach efforts.Champions are embedded across community volunteer networks, hospice care organizations, adult day programs, nutrition services, and transportation systems, bringing dementia awareness directly into the work they do every day.The Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS) has officially become a Dementia Friendly Business, setting an example for other sectors as of May 2023.Transportation Innovation: A Model for Dementia-Inclusive DesignOne of the most impactful recent developments has been the Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS) becoming a Dementia Friendly Business.This collaboration between Dementia Friendly Charlotte Mecklenburg, Centralina Area Agency on Aging, Age Friendly Mecklenburg and MTS reflects a shared commitment to improving community systems, so they are inclusive of all residents.MTS employees not only became Dementia Friends, but also participated in Centralinas Aging Sensitivity Training, which equips bus drivers with practical skills to better support older adults and passengers living with dementia.The dual Dementia Friendly and Aging Sensitivity workshop focused on three key areas:Understanding AgingParticipants explored common assumptions and age-related biases, while learning how ageism can influence the way services are delivered.Dementia AwarenessDrivers gained knowledge about dementia and built confidence in interacting with individuals who may experience memory loss, confusion, or communication challenges.Effective CommunicationA hands-on activity demonstrated how unclear instructions can easily be misinterpreted.For example, telling someone to put peanut butter on the bread might be interpreted literally as placing the jar on top of the loaf.
Exercises like this helped drivers understand the importance of giving clear, step-by-step guidance.Drivers responded overwhelmingly positively to the training.Many shared that they left with new skills and greater confidence in supporting the diverse needs of their riders.Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive RegionDFCM continues to grow, but the need for Dementia Friends, Champions, and dementia-friendly businesses is greater than ever.As more families across our region experience the impact of dementia, building communities rooted in understanding and support becomes increasingly critical.What Is a Dementia Friend?A Dementia Friend is someone who learns about dementia and commits to taking small, meaningful actions to support people living with the condition.
Anyone can become a Dementia Friend, and everyone has a role to play in building compassionate, dementia-aware communities.Becoming a Dementia Friend takes less than an hour.Becoming a Dementia Champion allows you to spread awareness throughout your networks.And becoming a Dementia-Friendly Business helps ensure our region remains a place where everyone can live, work, and move with dignity.DFCM invites community members, professionals, organizations, and local businesses to join the movement.
Together, we can continue expanding a dementia-inclusive Charlotte-Mecklenburg one friend, one champion, and one business at a time.To be a part of the effort, please email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Senior Savings Deals.
Publisher: Life Plan Community ( Read More )
Publisher: Life Plan Community ( Read More )
