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Dementia Friendly Charlton presents survey results, seeks business and community partners
Summary
At the Jan. 28 Board of Selectmen meeting, Gina Metras of Dementia Friendly Charlton summarized an August–September community survey and outlined next steps including a memory café, business trainings and outreach through the Council on Aging and library.
Gina Metras, a Charlton resident who works at Tri Valley Outdoor Services, told the Board of Selectmen on Jan. 28 that Dementia Friendly Charlton surveyed local residents and is planning community supports for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Metras said the group surveyed 81 people over the summer and reported two headline findings: 55% of respondents said they have a close family member with dementia, and roughly 95% of respondents reported having a close family member or relative affected by dementia. "We're striving to really create a Dementia Friendly community," Metras said, describing the group's aim to connect residents with services and referrals.
The group is working with town departments — including the Council on Aging, the public library and emergency services — and community partners such as Overlook and Services of Worcester. Metras said Dementia Friendly Charlton plans to start a locally run memory café (a social gathering designed for people with dementia and their caregivers), expand outreach to local businesses and hold information sessions targeted to specific workforces, such as bank or pharmacy employees.
Metras described existing supports: a monthly caregiver support group she runs at the Charlton Public Library and an email list of about 25 caregivers. She said the committee includes about 15–16 Charlton residents and representatives of town departments. When a selectperson asked how the board or community could help, Metras asked for connections to local businesses and partners to host training and outreach events.
Metras asked residents to contact the Council on Aging for referrals; the COA can connect callers to Dementia Friendly Charlton's supports and direct-service partners.
The presentation came during the meeting's appointments and reports segment and did not include a vote.
