Minnesota has reached a milestone in dementia education: There are now more than 30,000 Dementia Friends in Minnesota, the most of any state in the country!
Dementia Friends Minnesota, a program of Trellis, is part of a global movement to change the way we think, act and talk about dementia. The program has equipped people of all ages and backgrounds with the knowledge to better understand dementia and support those living with the condition. Through one-hour information sessions delivered in person or virtually, participants learn about the signs of dementia, effective communication strategies, and simple actions they can take to be dementia friendly.
“This program is about helping people understand the little things they can do to make a big impact,” says Maren Levad, Dementia Friendly Initiatives Manager at Trellis. “Every Dementia Friend helps us build more compassionate and inclusive communities for people living with dementia and their families.”
Dementia Friends was developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom. In 2015, Minnesota became the first state in the country to use the Dementia Friends model. The program is largely driven by volunteer Dementia Champions who facilitate information sessions across Minnesota.
“This achievement demonstrates what’s possible when a small group of people embrace a vision and bring it to life,” says Dawn Simonson, President and CEO of Trellis. “We are grateful for all of the Dementia Champions and Friends who commit to improving the experience of living with dementia.”
Dementia Friends information sessions are free and open to anyone who wants to learn about the dementia friendly movement. To see a list of upcoming sessions and to learn how to become a Dementia Friend or Champion, visit www.dementiafriendsmn.org.
