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Dementia Friendly Charlton outlines outreach, memory-cafe plans and business trainings
Summary
A volunteer group, Dementia Friendly Charlton, described a recent community survey and plans for a memory cafe, business trainings and referral services to support residents living with dementia and their caregivers.
Gina Metras, who identified herself as a Charlton resident and a staff member of Tri-Valley Elder Services, briefed the Town of Charlton Board of Selectmen on Jan. 28 about Dementia Friendly Charlton’s outreach and planned services.
Metras said the group conducted a community survey in August–September that drew 81 respondents. She reported that 55% of respondents said they had a close family member with dementia. Metras described priorities identified by the survey as socialization opportunities for people with dementia, respite services for caregivers, improved access to in-home services, and better public information about available supports.
"We're striving to really create a Dementia Friendly community," Metras told the board, saying the initiative works with town departments, the council on aging, the library, emergency services, the police department and partners such as Overlook and Tri-Valley to connect residents to services. She described plans to launch a local memory cafe (a regular, informal gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers) and to provide trainings for businesses and institutions—she cited CVS and banks as examples of places where staff trainings could help employees respond to customers with cognitive impairment.
Metras said the committee includes approximately 15–16 Charlton residents and representatives from town departments. She also noted a monthly caregiver support group she runs at the Charlton Public Library and that about 25 caregivers receive the group email list.
Board members asked how the community could help; Metras said connections to local businesses for trainings and assistance publicizing services would be useful. The board did not take formal action on the presentation; the item was received for information.
