Mission
Dementia Friendly WNC is committed to the well-being of people living with dementia and their families through a welcoming and knowledgeable community.
History
We started our work in 2015 with a survey, asking our community what it needed to become more supportive of people living with dementia and their families. A clear need was education – creating a more knowledgeable, aware community. A second need was the creation of social engagement opportunities for people living with dementia. Our awareness programs and engagement opportunities grew out of the needs expressed in the 2015 survey.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a condition related to a decline in cognitive skills. Over 400 types of dementia exist, with Alzheimer’s being the most common (60% – 80%) and vascular dementia being the second most common. Our goal is to open doors for people living with dementia by raising awareness of this condition, fostering supportive environments, and creating meaningful interactions.
We believe:
- A community that is aware of and understands dementia is accepting and willing to help
- Persons living with dementia and their care partners should have the opportunity for meaningful engagement in community life
- Persons living with dementia and their care partners should have strong family and community support systems to continue living at home
- Dementia services should reach those who are underserved
We strive to:
- Listen to the voices of persons living with dementia
- Raise community awareness and change negative attitudes about dementia
- Involve healthcare, faith communities, and local businesses in becoming dementia friendly
- Strengthen family and community support systems
- Promote meaningful engagement of persons living with dementia in community life
Our strategy stems from the NC State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.
View our Plan (PDF)
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