The Marion Dementia Friendly Task Force represents a broad range of community members. The Task Force is comprised of people from local government, healthcare organizations, a local restaurant, a senior center, financial organizations, and the local area agency on aging. They plan to keep growing their task force. The Alzheimer’s Association has an office in Marion and is providing support though virtual support group information. The Marion Dementia Friendly Task Force is made up of many people who have direct contact with people with dementia and their caregivers. They will include their input in Dementia Friendly efforts. Several members of the task force for have become Dementia Champions.
Dementia Friendly Activities
The Dementia Friendly Community Task Force has developed several goals. The area hospice has already offered dementia education to over 1,000 people in the area and will begin to include Dementia Friendly information. This group will also begin to offer compassionate touch material to help caregivers know how to provide support in a safe way. Banks, faith communities, and village employees will receive Dementia Friendly sector training. A Memory Café will open this fall in a local restaurant. The task force has already conducted focus groups to gain insights of community needs and has plans for evaluations of programs.
Dementia Friendly Marion Contact
Becky Salazar, Executive Director
Egyptian Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
200 E. Plaza Dr.
Carterville, IL 62918
Phone: 618.985.8311, ext. 103
becky.salazar@egyptianaaa.org