The Dementia Friendly Geneseo Task Force has been incorporated into an existing group in the community called, IMPACT (Integrated Model Police and Crisis Team). Established in 2020, this group has already worked to address the mental health needs in Geneseo through community education and an annual expo. This group has now partnered with the Area Agency on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association to address the needs of those living with dementia. The Team, led by staff from the Police Department, includes people from the city, aging organizations, service/non-profit organizations, the Alzheimer’s Association, healthcare, and a local bank.
Most members of the Dementia Task Force have become a Dementia Friend and a Dementia Champion. This is an established team, which has been meeting since 2020 and plans to meet quarterly to work on initial Dementia Friendly goals. They have met with representatives from their Area Agency on Aging to partner of efforts. The Dementia Friendly Community Lead has presented to the local Rotary to obtain their support. First responders in the community have been trained on dementia and will be monitoring for any needs within community members.
With their broad reaching task force and with so many trained as a Dementia Champion, their initial goals include education on dementia and both the Dementia Friendly and Dementia Friends initiatives. A member of the task force is the Memory Unit Director in the local residential facility. Through her connections support to caregivers and people with dementia is already provided.
Contact Dementia Friendly Geneseo
Detective Jamie Shoemaker
Geneseo Police Department
119 S. Oakwood Ave
Geneseo, IL 61254
309-944-5141
Email
Diane Dynes
Memory Care Director
Liberty Village of Geneseo
920 S. Chicago St.
Geneseo, IL 61254
309-944-0460
Email