Gilbert declares itself a dementia-friendly community 

By Tom Blodgett
Mail |
X: @sp_blodgett

Gilbert has become a dementia-friendly community, marking a significant step in supporting individuals and families affected by dementia. 

As such, the town joins a growing national movement of municipalities committed to supporting individuals and families living with dementia.  

The designation emphasizes the town’s commitment to fostering “an inclusive, compassionate and supportive environment for individuals living with dementia and those who care for them,” according to a town proclamation issued last month. 

The proclamation noted that dementia is “a growing public health concern that affects over 6 million Americans and their families, including many right here in Gilbert.”  

Becoming a dementia-friendly city means more than just a title. It involves engaging all sectors of the community — local government, first responders, health care providers, businesses and residents — in a coordinated effort to raise awareness, reduce stigma and improve accessibility.  

Town resources devoted to the effort include hosting dementia family and caregiver support group sessions at the Gilbert Community Center  and the Police Department’s “Bring Me Home” program that helps residents with disabilities or memory-related conditions communicate during emergencies. 

The proclamation stated that this move “reflects the Town of Gilbert’s continuing efforts to promote education and increase public understanding” while also supporting aging in place with dignity. 

The effort to increase awareness, offer training and develop compassionate programs has been deeply personal for many involved.  

Community member Steve Adams shared his emotional experience caring for his wife Amy, who has Alzheimer’s, in a town-produced video.  

“You have a choice when you hear news like this that your most precious person in your world has been diagnosed with a terminal illness,” Adams said. “You can take the high road or you can take the low road. I chose to take the high road.” 

Gilbert Fire Chief Rob Duggan demonstrated how it has affected first responders.  

“Please understand your first responders, they are trained, they’re prepared to take care of all of your loved ones in this space,” Duggan said. 

The initiative will also include upcoming training for town employees, particularly in departments such as parks and recreation, police and fire, to better serve residents with dementia.  

“We have employees, first responders within our community that can better understand this disease and better serve our citizens and help provide resources or links to each other to help provide greater compassion and care to our community members,” Councilmember Yung Koprowski said. 

Some community programs are already adapting. Martin Province, conductor of the Gilbert Symphony Orchestra, said concerts will be modified to be more welcoming for people with dementia.  

Pam Eisenberg from the Alzheimer’s Association added context. 

“If you didn’t know, there are over 161,000 people in Arizona that are diagnosed right now,” she said. “So yes, we need all to take the high road.” 

We would like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Tom Blodgett can be reached by email at tblodgett@iniusa.org or follow him @sp_blodgett on X. 

Tom Blodgett
Senior News Editor | Gilbert

tblodgett@iniusa.org

Meet Tom
Tom Blodgett joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2022, when the company acquired Community Impact Newspaper's Phoenix-area properties. Raised in Arizona, he has spent more than 35 years in journalism in the state.

Community: He has served as an instructional professional in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication since 2005, and is editorial adviser to The State Press, the university's independent student media outlet. He also is director of operations for an 18U girls fastpitch softball team from Gilbert.

Education: Arizona State University with a BS in Journalism. 

Random Fact: He lived in Belgium during his freshman year of high school.  

Hobbies: Tweeting enthusiastically about ASU softball (season-ticket holder) and grumpily about other local sports (pessimistic fan).