In 2020, Naperville was designated a Dementia-Friendly city, meaning that the city fosters the ability of people living with Dementia to remain in the community and engage and thrive in day to day living.
A key part of achieving this designation was establishing a knowledge base, beginning with first responders, through a program called Dementia-Friendly training. The training consists of an educational presentation that teaches staff in organizations how to support those with dementia. The program itself is offered free and is facilitated by members of the Naperville Dementia Friendly committee and the Naperville Senior Task Force. The program is made possible by AgeGuide, through an Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Grant.
To date, the Naperville Police Department has been 100% trained. In addition, the Naperville Public Library, and Park District staff have also been 100% trained. Once an organization’s staff is trained, the organization receives a Purple Angel Dementia Friendly window cling which indicates to the community that it has adopted dementia friendly practices.
Equally important are Naperville’s community organizations in creating inclusive, supportive places where those with dementia frequent. Recently, Naperville’s churches and faith communities have been offered the free 2-hour training program and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Jana Tindall of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church said staff were excited about the training because “the community is aging, and it is important for staff to become informed and more aware of those with cognitive decline.” Tindall said the training was valuable in that “it opened our eyes to that aspect of welcoming people.” Tindall added, “There are many dedicated members that yearn to be involved, so it is important to be inclusive for that population.”
Carol-Sue Veach of Naperville Presbyterian Church indicated that their training was “immensely valuable,” and that the resources provided were helpful, especially for those who are dealing firsthand with dementia, either themselves or a loved-one.
The training module offers organization-specific practices on how to support those with dementia. Faith organizations that wish to be trained can contact Senior Task Force member Arlene Orr at orrarlene@hotmail.com
Upon reflection of the training, Veach responded, “I’m really, really glad we did it. We need to do it again in the future.”
Carpe Diem!
