Dementia Friendly Community Initiative

We all can play a role in creating a more supportive, inclusive, and stigma-free community for individuals living with dementia and their loved ones. The Dementia Friendly Community efforts are about engaging the community in supporting the 115,000 people in Wisconsin (70% of which are living in their own residence) that are living with dementia and their families and friends.
Southwest Wisconsin (Grant, Green, Iowa, and Lafayette counties) has a lot to be proud of when it comes to raising awareness about dementia. We have 50 businesses and organizations that have participated in the training and are committed to being dementia aware. For a business to become dementia friendly, its employees and managers need to participate in a 20-30 minute training to discuss signs of dementia, communication tips, and local resources. The training is about good customer service for individuals impacted by dementia. Some sectors, including first responders, participate in a more in-depth training.
If you are interested in joining the dementia friendly community initiative, or want to learn more about becoming dementia friendly contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center in Green County by calling (608) 328-9499.