(Uptown, Andersonville, Roger’s Park and Edgewater)
The Northeast Chicago UARE (Uptown, Andersonville, Rogers Park, and Edgewater) consist of 4 neighborhoods in Chicago. These communities are linked together because of their location on the northeast side of the city and for their diversity. Together these communities represent 170,471 residents.
The Dementia Friendly UARE Task Force represents a broad range of community members. The key members of the Task Force are comprised of senior service organizations, businesses, health care organizations, education and research institutions, senior residential communities, faith communities, community organizations, private providers, local government, and first responders. Many on the task force work with people who have dementia and their family members. Surveys and focus groups were also used to incorporate the voice of those living with dementia. Chicago Methodist Senior Services has taken the lead on this initiative and will be the champion organization, but they have developed strong connections with both the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and Edgewater Village. These additional organizations will also provide support and guidance to the Dementia Friendly efforts in UARE.
Several members of the task force have already become a Dementia Champion, and the task force has a goal for more people to do the same.
They have already developed a Dementia Friendly resource guide and held many multi-sector community gatherings to discuss Dementia Friendly in their neighborhood, conducted surveys and focus groups.
The Task Force has plans to provide educate the community about Dementia Friendly and their mission. They plan to provide education on dementia and available resources. They plan to provide Dementia Friends talks with the Chambers of Commerce, First responders, and Faith-based communities. The task force has plans for evaluation of the initiative and how to continue contact with those who attend programs.
Dementia Friendly Contact
Jeanne Heid-Grubman
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Chicago Methodist Senior Services
773-596-2296
jheid-grubman@cmsschicago.org