January 15, 2018
The Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce is looking to make the business community more dementia friendly. They've teamed up with the Brenda Strafford Foundation to host an informative event on Tuesday Jan. 16, for chamber members on the Dementia Friendly Communities Initiative.
A Dementia Friendly Community supports those living with dementia, and their caregivers, by building community capacity to support individuals to age-in-place and reduce stigma associated with dementia.
Jayme Hall, Executive Director of the Okotoks Chamber, says the event will be a valuable education piece.
"It's just a way to educate our membership and the business community of Okotoks on steps they should be taking in their businesses if they have someone coming in, or they're dealing with people who potentially have dementia. There's a lot of different steps that you as a business owner can do, changes that you can make just to make sure you're more dementia friendly for these individuals."
Representatives from the Brenda Strafford Foundation will be on hand throughout the evening to provide information and answer any questions.
"The Brenda Strafford Foundation and Dementia Friendly Communities are also holding several other events in the community over the next year. It's going to be informative as well to teach the membership about some of those other events that are coming up, and ways they can participate."
The Dementia Friendly Communities Meet and Mingle will be held in the multi-purpose room at the Pason Centennial Arena starting at 6 p.m. The event is open to all members of the chamber, who will also receive a ticket to the Okotoks Oilers vs Calgary Mustangs game that night.
Written by Laura Bates
Published in Okotoks Online: Monday, 15 January 2018
