Dementia Friendly Efforts
The Downers Grove Dementia Friendly Task Force represents a broad range of community members. The Task Force is comprised of people from healthcare, the public library, the area hospital, senior organization, the local government, and a couple where one has dementia, and the other is the care partner. With this couple’s involvement and the many others on the task force who work with people who have dementia, the voice of those experiencing dementia will include their voice in their Dementia Friendly efforts. Also, several people in Downers Grove area have become a Dementia Champion.
The Dementia Friendly Community Task Force has developed several goals through focus group discussions with people from a variety of sectors. The community already offers support groups and a day care program. The library provides memory kits. Through the development of the Downers Grove Dementia Friendly Task Force, they plan to build on the current programs while further developing their outreach and community awareness. The social worker located in the village hall is part of this effort and will work to include village staff and first responders. Increased education and stronger partnerships will be developed through regular task force meetings. The Task Force plans to use satisfaction surveys after events to gage the success of the program and give direction for future events.
Dementia Friendly Contact
Courtney Karl
Associate Executive Director
Oak Trace
Email
(847) 322-9149