Council on Aging Pursues Age- and Dementia-Friendly Designation
By Patrick DeVivo
City staff at a recent “Dementia Friends” training session
Photo From Melrose Council on Aging
The Melrose Council on Aging is working toward making Melrose a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents, regardless of age or ability.
With support from a Field Demonstration Grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, the Melrose Council on Aging is pursuing official Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly designation from the Commonwealth. Obtaining this designation involves a three-step process, which Erica Brown, Executive Director of the Melrose Council on Aging, expects to be completed by the end of June so the Council on Aging can formally apply for designation in July.
The National Institute on Aging defines dementia as the loss of cognitive functioning to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. A recent study estimated that one in ten Americans age 65 and older, and 35% of Americans age 90 or older have dementia. With more Americans living longer, there is greater need for support for residents with dementia and other age-related challenges in all communities, including our own.
The first step in the Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly designation process involves training and education. Recently, the Council on Aging hosted “Dementia Friends” sessions for Melrose municipal employees, which were attended by two dozen employees from ten different departments.
In March, two additional sessions will be offered to all Melrose residents on the following days:
- Wednesday, March 12th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Milano Center
- Tuesday, March 18th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the City Council Chamber
Melrose residents are encouraged to attend and can reserve a seat here or by calling 781-665-4304. Additional sessions tailored for local businesses are planned for April.
In these sessions, participants are educated on five key messages about dementia:
- Dementia is not a typical part of aging.
- Dementia is caused by a disease of the brain.
- Dementia is more than having memory problems.
- People can live well with dementia.
- There’s more to the person than dementia.
The sessions help each participant to identify the changes that someone with dementia displays, adjust their communication appropriately, and connect with the proper resources and community support.
According to Brown, “Having city staff, residents, and local businesses who understand how to adapt to different communication methods and how to identify when a community member is struggling and may need to be connected with resources is critical. It will allow us to support our most vulnerable residents and allow them to live with as much independence and dignity as possible.”
The training sessions are led by Rachael Cordella, the Social Services Coordinator at the Council on Aging, and Kara Showers, the Prevention and Wellness Coordinator for the Melrose Health and Human Services Department. Both are trained Dementia Champions. Brown will also be in attendance to answer questions and share resources related to aging and dementia.
When asked why this initiative is important for Melrose, Brown responded, “Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly designations are great steps we can take to make Melrose welcoming and accommodating for all, not just older adults. Many will benefit from this ever-evolving initiative.”
Stages two and three of the designation process will include developing a Resource Guide for all residents, creating a city map highlighting essential resources such as public restrooms, outdoor seating, and senior discounts, and installing wayfinding signage for the Beebe Estate and Milano Center buildings.
The Melrose Council on Aging was established by the city, with funding assistance from the Commonwealth as well as from specific grants. Through its programs, resources and advocacy, the Council on Aging seeks to protect and enhance independence, well-being, social engagement and the overall quality of life for older adults in the community.
For more information on the Melrose Council on Aging and its Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly initiative, please contact the Melrose Council on Aging at 781-665-4304 or email milanocenter@cityofmelrose.org.
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