Dementia Friends Ohio
Turning understanding into action
Welcome to Dementia Friends Ohio
Thank you for your joining us to change the way that people think, act and talk about dementia!
Everyone knows someone who is living with dementia. Who do you know?
Would you like to know how you can better support your friend, neighbor, loved one, co-worker, colleague and even first-time acquaintances?
Would you like to join a global effort in reducing the stigma of dementia?
Are you, your organization, group or business interested in making a real difference in your community?
Wondering how to put your gifts and talents to work with this new initiative?
You have come to the right place.
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. To provide this helping hand, Dementia Friends aims to give people an understanding of dementia and the small things that they can do to make a difference. From helping someone to find the right bus or choose an item in the grocery store…
Every action counts!
There are a number of people who are already involved in Dementia Friends here in Ohio.
How does it work?
Attend a Free Session and leave with information that will empower you to help others.
The Dementia Friends program focuses on five key messages that we believe everyone should know about dementia:
- Dementia is not a natural part of aging.
- Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain.
- It is not just about losing your memory.
- It’s possible to live well with dementia.
- There is more to the person than the dementia.
We can do it together!
To become a Dementia Friend, you’ll commit to at least one dementia-friendly action, such as inviting an individual with dementia to a concert, restaurant, class, shopping; walk or community event; encouraging a colleague to become a Dementia Friend; taking dinner to a caregiving family; volunteering to give a caregiver a break; driving someone to an appointment; reading to a person with dementia; joining a dementia advocacy event.
Read about how being a Dementia Friend has changed the lives of others.
Face-to-Face Sessions
Your individualized workbook makes this 45-minute session informative and interactive. You’ll learn how dementia can affect individuals, tips for communicating and engaging with those affected and perhaps most importantly, you’ll identify specific actions you can take to support people who are living with dementia in your community.
Contact Marty Williman, Program Director for Ohio Council for Cognitive Health to learn more or to schedule a session.
The Ohio Council for Cognitive Health is also training Dementia Champions statewide who would like to teach the face-to face sessions. Champions may be volunteers recruited from the community or professional staff. Contact Marty to find out more about becoming a Champion.
Online Sessions (Offered through Dementia Friends USA)
You can choose to become a friend online by viewing a series of online videos. Through the videos you learn about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turn commit to turning that understanding into action. Online Dementia Friends can be found on the Dementia Friends USA website.
History of Dementia Friends
Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends initiative is now underway in the USA, with over 22,000 registered Friends. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. We even have programs designed for children and teens!
Video
Learn more about Dementia Friends in this two-minute introductory video. You and your community will be glad you did!
Dementia Friends USA Trailer from Dementia Friends USA on Vimeo.