Dementia Friendly Owen County Initiative to start

Owen County is coming together to understand how well the community serves people with dementia and to explore how we can act together to improve opportunities and outcomes for people with dementia by becoming a dementia friendly community.

The first meeting to share ideas and knowledge will take place at 2 p.m. June 17 in the Area 10 Agency on Aging conference room. RSVPs are requested.

The prevalence of dementia is rapidly increasing. The number of people with dementia is expected to double for people ages 75 to 84 and triple for those over age 85. Younger onset Alzheimer's, occurring in people under age 65, is also on the rise.

Recognizing that Owen County has a growing older population, we need to prepare all sectors in our community to address the growing opportunities and needs faced by people living with dementia, their families, care partners, employers, and the community as a whole.

Please join Area 10 to prepare Owen County for this pressing, critical community issue to address opportunities and meet the needs of people with dementia and be part of the dementia friendly movement spreading across the United States through the Dementia Friendly America initiative.

To learn more, visit dfamerica.org or contact Amy Guerrettaz at 812-935-2582 or aguerrettaz@area10agency.org.

What is a "Dementia Friendly Community"?

Dementia Friendly America began in 2015 after the White House Conference on Aging. DFA helps communities become dementia friendly, where every part of the community works together to create a dementia friendly culture.

This involves training local businesses, community leaders and caregivers on how to interact sensitively with individuals with dementia. A dementia friendly community promotes awareness and understanding of dementia and provides resources and support to individuals and families affected by dementia.