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?
We need your help – there is a lot of good to be done.
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 Ohio aims to give people an awareness and 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…
There are a number of people and organizations that are already involved in Dementia Friends here in Ohio.
Don’t be left out.
Get involved today.
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.
How can I make a difference?
It’s easy and convenient. In just one hour, you can learn information that will help you to make a big impact in life of someone living with dementia.
Attend a free one-hour online or in-person session, and leave with information that will empower you to take action to help others. We offer sessions that are open to the public and personalized sessions for your organization. In addition, Dementia Friends Ohio offers specialized programs for veterans’ groups, libraries, faith communities, financial planners, and organizations serving those with development disabilities.
Dementia Friends Ohio for Faith Communities
This is an awareness and call-to-action movement designed to increase understanding of dementia. Included in this program are practical, low-cost ways communities of faith can adapt their environments, programs, and services to be dementia friendly. From helpful signage and name tags, to hosting dementia education and support groups, there’s so much that can be done to support members impacted by dementia.
Dementia Friends Ohio for Libraries
This program, presented in libraries across the state, is changing the way Ohioans think, act, and talk about dementia. Session participants will learn tips for communicating and engaging with library patrons who are living with memory changes, creating dementia friendly physical spaces, taking library services to senior care communities, hosting dementia education programs, support groups and Memory Cafes, and much more.
Dementia Friends Ohio for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Most adults with an intellectual and/or developmental disability live in community settings, either independently or with support. With advanced age, they may experience age-related conditions, including dementia. This session delivers information on dementia incidence, risk factors, and unique signs and symptoms, and provides helpful communication and engagement tips and community resources.
Dementia Friends Ohio for Legal and Financial
Financial and legal matters can be complex and overwhelming for individuals with dementia and care partners, so planning ahead early in the disease is key. This specially adapted session is designed to help participants recognize and understand dementia, effectively communicate with clients and families, and provide links to helpful resources to decrease the risk for avoidable guardianship issues, financial exploitation, and neglect.
Dementia Friends Ohio for Veterans
Many Veterans live with unique risk factors for dementia. This special adaptation of Dementia Friends for Veterans was created to inform all community members about Veterans’ risk factors, signs, symptoms, and causes of dementia. It also provides practical communication tips, community resources, and action ideas that will make a positive difference in the lives of Veterans and families impacted by dementia.
Dementia Friends Ohio for Individuals Living Alone
Nearly one third of individuals with dementia live alone and one-half do not have an identifiable caregiver. This session provides basic information on dementia including types, signs and symptoms, and the ways it can impact daily living such as medication management, social isolation, nutrition, home safety and more. This program will provide practical ways to support individuals who live alone with dementia.
Face-to-Face Online and In-Person Sessions
Your individualized workbook makes this 60-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.
Make a Difference:
- Offer to call someone once a week to chat
- Include the person in conversations
- Ask the person for advice
- Play a game of cards together
- Invite the person to join you for a cup of coffee
- Listen, smile, show you care
- Offer to pick up groceries or run an errand
- Offer support to caregivers of people living with dementia
- Volunteer for an organization that helps people living with dementia or their caregivers
- Make my home more dementia friendly
- Encourage my friends to become dementia friendly
- Be more patient with people living with dementia when out in the community
- Make my workplace more dementia friendly
- Campaign for change (e.g., by participating in local advocacy events)
Contact Marty Williman, Program Director for Ohio Council for Cognitive Health, to sign up for a free public session or schedule a personalized program for your organization. Please note: All sessions are being taught virtually during COVID-19.
Ready to do more? Become a Champion.
The Ohio Council for Cognitive Health is also training Dementia Friends Ohio Champions statewide who would like to teach the face-to face and online sessions. Champions may be volunteers recruited from the community or professional staff. Contact Marty Williman to find out more about becoming a Champion.
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.