This document discusses creating a dementia friendly community in Walker, Minnesota. The goals are to educate local businesses and organizations about dementia so they can better support customers and clients with dementia, and to centralize information about Alzheimer's resources in the community. Becoming certified as a dementia friendly business or organization provides training to staff on communicating effectively with those with dementia and benefits the business through enhanced customer service and recognition for being inclusive. Local groups are working to address the growing impact of dementia through education sessions to achieve these goals.

1. Because it’s everyone’s business
A Dementia Friendly
Community

2.  A dementia friendly community may be defined
as being a place:
• Where people with dementia are enabled to
live as independently as possible and to
continue to be part of their community
• Where they are met with understanding and
given support where necessary
Dementia Friendly Community

3.  Walker community cares about customer service and
satisfaction.
 Our community is changing because of aging and
Alzheimer’s disease.
 The way we respond to this change will define the
community in which we live.
Why is this important?

4.  One in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's disease.
 About one-third of people age 85 and older have Alzheimer's
disease.
 By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with
Alzheimer's disease is estimated to increase 40%.
 Young onset Alzheimer’s, occurring in people as young as 40,
is also on the rise.
 If we are dementia friendly we are also age
and ability friendly.
Why are we focusing on
dementia?

5. • Most people with dementia say they lack confidence to leave
their home to do normal, everyday tasks within their
community.
• They function best in a community where they can:
• Find their way around and be safe
• Access the local businesses they are used to (restaurants,
post office, grocery store, bank, library, church, etc.)
• Maintain their social networks so they feel they still belong
• Be treated with respect by a community that is
Dementia Friendly
Alzheimer’s affects
the whole community

6. What is ACT on Alzheimer’s Walker?
 A group of Walker volunteers who met with business
owners/managers, clergy, retail, service providers, local
government and others in the Walker community to identify the
community’s strengths and needs.
 2 repeating needs emerged which we identified as our priority
goals
• Lack of knowledge about dementia and a desire to know more
• Lack of understanding of what resources
existed and how to find them

7. 1) Identify and centralize the Alzheimer’s resources in our
community and increase awareness of them.
• Developed a resource brochure that is being distributed
community wide
2) Educate the community about Alzheimer’s and how they can
welcome and support persons who have memory loss.
• Offer Alzheimer’s education and Dementia Friendly
certification to Walker businesses, organizations, faith
communities, local government,
service providers, etc.
Goals & Actions

8.  Basic Info about dementia
• 10 signs of Alzheimer's
• What dementia is and is not
 How might dementia affect my customer or neighbor
 Communicating effectively
 Supporting employee caregivers
 Tips for businesses
 Environmental supports
 Business specific information in breakouts
 Walker services and resources brochure
What is offered at Dementia Friendly
Community education sessions?

9.  Enhanced customer service
 Increased sensitivity to customers’ needs
 Good PR
• A person dealing with adversity shares positive experiences
widely
• The efforts of the Walker community to become Dementia
Friendly are being recognized not only at a state level but also
nationally and internationally
 Profound workplace and community impact
 Repeat business and possibly new business
(customers with dementia feeling ‘accepted’)
Benefits of becoming
certified Dementia Friendly

10.  As a business you will gain info and comfort in serving
persons with dementia in our community.
 You will know what to look for, how to serve,
communicate and positively impact community
members/customers affected by Alzheimer’s
 You will become certified by completing a few steps
which starts with attending free education sessions
 You can identify or advertise your org or business as
certified dementia friendly.
Dementia Friendly Certified
What does that mean?

12. Don’t underestimate the impact you will make as you
• equip employees to understand dementia
• better serve your customers with dementia
• support your employees who care for someone
with dementia
• become certified Dementia Friendly!
You can make a difference!

13. Attend one of the scheduled training
sessions at May Creek Lodge:
April 23rd at 1:30-3:00 pm
April 28th at 6:00-7:30 pm
Call (218) 547-4515 to reserve a seat
Next Step