September 23, 2019
On September 20, 2019, Honorable Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing, joined The Brenda Strafford Foundation, Alberta Innovates, and Alberta Health Services to celebrate the launch of a new resource to help communities address dementia.
As of March 31, 2018, more than 45,800 Albertans are living with dementia
- According to Alberta Health’s Population Estimates of Dementia in Alberta.
With funding support from the Government of Alberta, Alberta Innovates and Alberta Health Services, The Brenda Strafford Foundation has created ‘A Guide to Create Dementia Friendly Communities in Alberta.’
The resource provides localized information and best practices that individuals, businesses and civil society organizations can use to ensure their communities are dementia friendly.
By educating and engaging the public, Dementia Friendly Community initiatives encourage the creation of local supports, remove barriers and reduce stigmas associated with dementia. The 'Guide to Creating Dementia Friendly Communities in Alberta' will enable more communities throughout the province to launch initiatives that help those impacted by dementia to remain supported in their homes and communities.
The guide and other useful resources are available online at: www.dementiafriendlyalberta.ca
On Friday September 20, 2019, The Brenda Strafford Foundation gathered at the Calgary Public Library, along with our provincial funding partners, community partners, and other members of the community to launch 'A Guide to Creating Dementia Friendly Communities in Alberta.'
A live stream recording of the event is available to watch online.
For the Government of Alberta announcement and other related media coverage of the launch event, please visit the following links:
This guide is the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year pilot project in Alberta led by The Brenda Strafford Foundation.
“The Brenda Strafford Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to lead this exciting and impactful initiative that will benefit so many people, in so many communities. Together, we must find innovative and community-focused solutions to ensure we support the needs of those impacted by dementia. Everyone has a role in helping find these solutions.” Mike Conroy, President and CEO, The Brenda Strafford Foundation
Working in partnership with local members of the pilot communities, education and training opportunities have been offered to help first responders, local businesses, and organizations better understand, recognize and respond to signs of dementia to better support the needs of those they serve. Schools are exploring ways to educate students throughout the curriculum and create intergenerational opportunities to engage with seniors in the community. Faith centres, community associations, and many other non-profit and public service organizations are ensuring supports and resources are mobilized and accessible in the community.
The Brenda Strafford Foundation have documented their journey, and their lessons learned along the way, to create this guide as a locally sensitive, evidence-based approach for the development of Dementia Friendly Communities throughout the province.
“Dementia Friendly Communities help seniors and others living with dementia to stay active and connected to the hamlets, towns and cities they call home. This guide will have a long-lasting impact on Albertans with dementia, their caregivers and the broader community.”
- Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing
“Alberta Innovates (AI) is pleased to play a partnering role in supporting the Dementia Friendly Communities project. Healthy seniors create healthy and vibrant communities. AI’s key investment not only benefits those with dementia, but also their families, caregivers, and communities around Alberta.”
- Brenda Kenny, Chair of the Board of Directors, Alberta Innovates
“As our population continues to age, it’s even more important to have resources to help families, caregivers and healthcare professionals better support and understand the challenges those living with dementia may have. AHS is a proud partner in this work, and this just continues to prove we can always provide more to support Albertans.”
- Dr. Jim Silvius, Provincial Medical Director, Seniors Health, Alberta Health Services
For more information about The Brenda Strafford Foundation's Dementia Friendly Communities pilot project or 'A Guide for Creating Dementia Friendly Communities in Alberta' please contact: dfc@theBSF.ca
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