By : Alison Marks.
A Dementia-Friendly Community is a national initiative of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, hoping to create a country where people living with dementia are met with compassion and are acknowledged as rightful members of society.
A Canadian First for Brome Lake
Locally, Brome Lake is the first Dementia-Friendly Community in Quebec thanks to Joan Westland and world-renowned author Louise Penny. The official launch was announced in July, but it is unclear to many what exactly it signifies.
Working Brome-Missisquoi and Haute Yamaska and the Federation of Quebec Alzheimer Societies, in partnership with federal, provincial and municipal governments, the Dementia-Friendly Community initiative, shepherded locally by France Proteau, will eventually support people living with dementia, and their care partners, ensuring they are welcomed, included and supported.
What Is a Dementia-Friendly Community?
A Dementia-Friendly Community is actually an umbrella concept, regrouping the services and organizations that we typically find in a community.
- Medical services for this disease, such as doctors and nurses, hospitals, pharmacies, and CLSC services, including home care and social workers
- Facilities for long-term care, and respite care in a specialized facility
- Specialized home-care personnel who work in the community
- Dementia-awareness workshops and general information sessions on neurocognitive disorders
- Town-wide support for the initiative
- Retailers who are aware of and supportive of dementia issues
Strong Local Support
In Brome Lake, we are particularly fortunate to have even more—an Alzheimer Respite and Stimulation Group, a Caregiver’s Café Rencontre, a Wellness Team, and to some extent The Men’s Shed—much-needed support that augments the basic infrastructure.
Building an Inclusive Community
Dementia affects a person’s world—they become isolated and dependent on their caregiver. To be included in a walk, a coffee date, a boat ride, or simply a car ride can make all the difference in their shrinking world.
Some private Brome Lake groups even include the dementia population in their get-togethers. It benefits everyone—the dementia patient and the people who open their generous hearts.
To get involved or for information, contact France Proteau, Project Manager, Alzheimer Society Brome-Missisquoi and Haute-Yamaska, 450-777-3363.