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Public Park in Leominster Dedicated to Alzheimer’s Awareness

Stories from the Field

Central Park in the City of Leominster, MA  was dedicated to Alzheimer’s awareness on the longest day of the year, June 21st, which coincided with a national series of events and fundraising spearheaded by the Alzheimer’s Association.

The park can be found downtown at the intersection of Route 12 and Route 117 with a newly renovated corner for all to see.  Through a collaborate of private and public funding, there are many special features including; purple lighting from dusk to dawn symbolizing the struggle with sun-downing, granite pavers that anyone can sponsor and customize, large perennial garden, purple themed annual flowers, and a large inspirational stone yet to be engraved!  Continue reading →

Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative

The Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative (DMFI) is a whole-community response to creating dementia friendly communities. Dementia friendly communities are safe, informed, and respectful and engage all members of the community to meet the needs of the growing number of people living with dementia to remain part of the fabric of our vibrant community life. The DMFI is convened by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and many partner organizations.

What does a dementia friendly Massachusetts look like?

Conferences, News and Updates

By the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative web team

“What does it take?” That was the question attendees grappled with at the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Summit on Monday, May 9, 2016.What does it take to build a dementia friendly community—a community that is informed, safe and respectful, and enables people living with dementia and those who care about them to live full, engaged lives. Continue reading →

Our Parents, Ourselves: Health Care for an Aging Population

This report, supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation, explores the care experienced by older adults in the U.S., including the number and types of care providers they see, along with the frequency with which they have contact with the health care system. It identifies areas where improvements are most needed and recognizes areas in which improvements are already under way. Finally, it notes challenges and opportunities presented by people with multiple chronic conditions and dementia. Source: Dartmouth Atlas

Depression in Older Adults

This fact sheet on Depression in Older Adults was created through a collaboration between Mental Health America and the National Council on Aging.

Anxiety in Older Adults

This fact sheet on Anxiety in Older Adults was created through a collaboration between Mental Health America and the National Council on Aging.

Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease

Program Description: The Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease (RDAD) program provides exercise training for people with Alzheimer’s disease who live at home and simultaneous training for their family caregivers about how to manage behavioral symptoms. The program is intended to reduce behavioral symptoms and depression and improve the person’s physical functioning.

Learn More: www.aoa.gov/AoA_Programs/HPW/Alz_Grants/reducing.aspx

Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers

Program Description: The Stress-Busting Program (SBP) for Family Caregivers is an evidence-based program that provides support for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It is designed to:

  • Improve the quality of life of family caregivers who provide care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
  • Help caregivers manage their stress and cope better with their lives

Learn More: www.caregiverstressbusters.org/