Dementia Friendly Salem seeks to raise awareness, reduce stigma, provide resources and increase support for people living with dementia and their caregivers through education and coordination of resources. The Deputy Chief of Police is a trained Dementia Champion and is a driving force in helping to educate the community about Dementia.
Salem is a rural community, but has many businesses. Salem consists of caring people who live and/or work in the community in such places as the library, local government, faith based and community-based organizations, healthcare and numerous other businesses. The Dementia Friendly Salem Task Force brings these people together to create supportive places in the community for those living with Dementia.
Dementia Friendly Salem Activities
Dementia Friendly Salem has developed a broad task force represented by members from:
- the Salem Library
- the Salem Police
- the Salem Mayor and City Manager
- SWAN (Adult Protective Services, Domestic Violence Advocate, & Homeless Shelter Provider)
- Alzheimer’s support group organizers
- Senior living facility
- Churches
- Business owners
- Caregivers
- The Midland Area Agency on Aging
Members of the Task Force have been trained as Dementia Champions and have offered Dementia Friends and Dementia Friendly talks for many groups throughout the community. The Salem Deputy Chief of Police has been trained as a Dementia Champion and has taken a lead role in providing Dementia Friends talks. Information on Dementia Friendly efforts has been included in the welcome packet from the Chamber, with a focus on faith-based organizations, hair dressers, pharmacies, and health care providers. Window decals have been shared with organizations which have gone through the training.
Contact Dementia Friendly Salem
Nancy Hinton
Program Coordinator/Senior Advocate
Midland Area Agency on Aging
Email
Judy Kleine
Midland Area Agency on Aging
Email