Dementia Friendly Charlton outlines support needs after community survey; plans memory café and business trainings

CHARLTON, Mass. — Gina Metras, a Charlton resident and representative of Dementia Friendly Charlton who also works at Tri-Valley Elder Services, told the Board of Selectmen on Jan. 28 that the group is working to expand supports for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Metras said the group conducted a community survey this past summer that drew 81 responses. "Fifty-five percent of respondents had a close family member with dementia," she said in the meeting. Metras also cited another figure in the transcript as "95," but did not clarify whether that figure referred to respondents or a percentage; the transcript does not provide further clarification. She said the survey indicated needs including socialization opportunities for people living with dementia, respite services for caregivers, help obtaining in-home services and better public awareness of available supports.

Metras described Dementia Friendly Charlton as a collaboration among town departments — including the Council on Aging, the library and emergency services — and community partners such as Overlook, Tri-Valley Elder Services of Worcester and local banks. Planned actions include establishing a community memory café (to provide a dementia-friendly gathering space), offering training sessions for local businesses (for example, on how to assist customers with cognitive impairment) and expanding referral and outreach through the Council on Aging.

She said Dementia Friendly Charlton runs a caregiver support group at the Charlton Public Library and maintains an email list of about 25 caregivers who receive meeting notices. Metras asked the board for help connecting with local businesses and community sectors to broaden outreach and noted the town website and Council on Aging are referral points for residents seeking services.