Dementia Friends USA

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Dementia Friends USA is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends initiative is underway in the USA. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia.

A Dementia Friend is someone who, through viewing a series of online videos or attending a live session, learns about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends program to visiting someone who is living with dementia, every action counts. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend – we all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities!

Presenter: Mary Holmes, M.Ed., MSc. she/her/hers

Mary Holmes is the Supervisor for the Supportive Day Program, a daily activity program for individuals who are at risk if left alone or may experience memory challenges or other disability at the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living (MVC4L).   MVC4L has been dedicated to providing support to Island seniors for the past 30 years with services that create an age friendly environment, promote dignity, reduce stigma, support independence and foster community engagement.

She is most committed as a Dementia Friend Champion to give people an understanding of dementia and the small things we can all do to make a difference for people living with dementia in our communities.