ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County Aging Services has taken to social media with its Dementia Friendly program which has informed Richmond County businesses and organizations of ways to cater to those suffering from the disease since fall 2017.
The Facebook page, “Dementia Friendly Richmond County NC”, which was created last week, is meant to be a “one-stop shop” for connecting families, medical professionals and caregivers with resources for those living with the disease and a place to share events and other posts within that community, according to Jacqueline Welch, director of Aging Services.
“We’re trying to promote a meaningful engagement (around dementia) within the community,” Welch said. “Just because someone has dementia doesn’t mean they have quit living — it just takes help from people in the community.”
The 2010 census reported that there were 922 people in Richmond County, or 14.3 percent of the population 65 years old and up, with Alzheimer’s Disease, a form of dementia. That percentage is expected to increase to 15.2 percent by 2025. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Since its formation, Dementia Friendly has given free, one hour information sessions to about two dozen groups in Richmond County including the Richmond County Administration, Richmond County Department of Social Services and many churches.
The group has increased its number of “dementia friends”, or those who have attended the sessions, to 246 since its inception. The Richmond County Dementia Capable Action Team, which oversees Dementia Friendly, meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 2:30 p.m. at Community Home Care and Hospice.
Call 910-997-4491 for more information.
The next Alzheimer’s Walk will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Cole Auditorium. Proceeds will assist Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers purchase items and services they need.
