Dementia Friends helps promote positive change in people with dementia

By Jennifer Jimenez
Mail | X: @SCW_Independent

Dementia Friendly America is a movement focused on building more dementia friendly communities, which are committed to effectively supporting people living with dementia, as well as caregivers and families.

Banner Sun Health Research Institute Senior Outreach Program Manager and Dementia Friendly Arizona State Lead Janice Greeno said the City of Tempe was one of the first Dementia Friendly Communities in the United States and since 20015 there are now 10 in Arizona. Seniors living with dementia and caregivers in Sun City West benefit from the resources of Dementia Friends.

“One of the things we do with this program is raise awareness through Dementia Friends information sessions and they help people understand what dementia is and how it effects people. Each person in the community can make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia,” she explained.

Being a Dementia Friendly Community means the community is focused on raising awareness about what dementia is and how it is impacting people in daily life. In addition, a community shows ways to support caregivers not only by providing resources, but by reducing the stigma and build empathy while starting conversations, Greeno explained.

“In the City of Surprise and many other communities, we have Memory Cafes. This is where we provide a relaxing environment and comfortable place for people to feel connected,” Greeno said.

People living with dementia and care partners can help them to get out and socialize to fight the social isolation that can come with dementia to get support and find resources.

The Memory Cafe for the City of Surprise meets 10-11:30 a.m. every fourth Tuesday of the month at the Salvation Army, 17420 Avenue of the Arts.

According to Greeno, people living with dementia and the caregivers for these indivduals travel from various parts of the community, including Sun City West, to engage with others on a similar path in life. 

For more information, to RSVP or to learn about other life enrichment and educational opportunities, call 623-832-6637 or email BannerResearch@BannerHealth.com.

Since the inception of the program in Arizona, there are more than 11,000 Dementia Friends, after going through a one hour information session and in 2023 more than 2,000 people became Dementia Friends.

Dementia Friends are people who want to join efforts in making a ripple effect of change for people living with dementia in either big or small ways, Greeno added.

Dementia Friends information sessions are offered both virtually and in person and offered by many different collaborative organizations and individuals.

“We call them Dementia Friends Champions because we are able to reach many people across the state of Arizona,” Greeno said.

When Greeno gives these presentations, she said she is always moved that people want to join the organization in making a difference for others. They realize that together people can help support people who are possibly going through the most difficult time in life and can be a positive support during the journey, Greeno added.

This is just one program offered to help support people living with dementia, she said.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.

Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @scw_independent. 

Jennifer Jimenez
Reporter | Sun City West

jjimenez@iniusa.org

Meet Jennifer

In 2020, Jennifer Jimenez began working for Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA. She began her career as a sports reporter in Peoria and Glendale, covering the very same schools she used to compete at.  During this time, she also worked for television news, magazines and sports radio stations.

Community: Jennifer is a member of the Hall of Fame at Peoria High School where she graduated in 2001, alongside her father Joe Hernandez. She serves youth soccer players as a pro-trainer and coach.  

Education: Grand Canyon University 2005 B.A. Liberal Arts

Ranom Fact: She has a street named after her in south Peoria “Jennifer Rose Court.”

Hobbies: Country dancing, coaching soccer, teaching private swim lessons and running are things she does for fun.