Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative (DFMI) Executive Office Of Elder Affairs

More than 1 of 9 people age 65+ has a diagnosable condition; no way to prevent, cure or slow the disease

How can we work together to address this public health crisis? How can we align efforts to have the maximum impact? How can we get whole communities involved, not just health and human service providers? What can we learn from other parts of the U.S., and other countries?

Goals Support and accelerate the creation and expansion of dementia friendly systems and grassroots programs across Massachusetts. Ensure that diverse stakeholders are engaged, and that benefits reach varied geographic and cultural communities. Support the integration of age-friendly and dementia friendly efforts.

Guideposts Efficiency 2. Inclusion 3. Scale

History May 9, 2016: Leadership Summit, hosted by Tufts Health Plan Foundation June/July 2016: Establishment of Advisory Group and Management Committee August 2016: Launch of first Learning Communities November 2016: First DFMI Connector quarterly newsletter

Made possible by support from Tufts Health Plan Foundation Participants Co-conveners: Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JF&CS) DFMI Management Committee EOEA, JF&CS Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter LeadingAge MA Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA) Multicultural Coalition on Aging DFMI Advisory Group Over 40 organizations representing diverse geographic and cultural communities and professional sectors Access, Equity & Cultural Inclusion subcommittee DFMI Learning Communities Eastern Massachusetts Town/City Cape Cod & The Islands Western Mass Central Mass Faith Leaders Trainers Exchange Leadership summit, facilitated by Olivia Mastry from Dementia Friendly America Made possible by support from Tufts Health Plan Foundation

Key lessons from the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Leadership Summit, 5/9/16 We need ways to share existing tools and knowledge, so that no one has to reinvent the wheel. Collaboration helps resources go farther. Dementia friendly initiatives should work closely with the age-friendly movement. Regional or statewide organizations, associations and business chains can spread knowledge and increase participation. One size does not fit all. Initiatives need to fit the local community or sector in order to be effective. Cultural inclusion requires focused attention and resources. Start with a broad, representative action team, and learn together about strengths and gaps, to achieve sustainable results. Language matters. Use respectful, empowering, and accurate language to educate and reduce stigma about dementia. We are part of a national movement. Dementia Friendly America offers free sector guides, and an in-depth toolkit for geographic or cultural communities to follow. These materials are meant to be adapted as needed to individual community needs. Massachusetts is emerging as a national leader.

Collective Impact model

Communities in action Marlborough Northborough Hudson Westborough Sudbury

DFA Community Toolkit: dfamerica.org Engaged multi-sector action teams Completed over 100 surveys Chose priorities; began implementation: Dementia registries First responder training Expanded adult day program Increased business awareness Memory cafés Website: http://www.come2bdementiafriendlymarlborough.com

Dementia Friendly America Sector Guides

Better Together: age- and dementia friendly

Community organizations in action Temple Shir Tikvah Purple Tables Assabet Community College

Memory Cafés: 63 and counting! www.jfcsboston.org/MemoryCafeDirectory

Coming soon! Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia.

Resources Dementia Friendly America, community toolkit and sector guides: www.dfamerica.org Dementia Friendly Massachusetts: www.dfmassachusetts.org Massachusetts Memory Café directory: www.jfcsboston.org/MemoryCafeDirectory Memory Café Toolkits: www.jfcsboston.org/MemoryCafeToolkit (English); www.jfcsboston.org/GuiaCafeDeMemoria (Spanish) Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 Beth Soltzberg, Director, Alzheimer’s/Related Disorders Family Support Program, JF&CS, bsoltzberg@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-5628