What is Dementia Friends Michigan?
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is the state-lead of the Dementia Friends Michigan program. Dementia Friends USA is a nationwide movement changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. By incorporating Dementia Friends into open, accessible communities, those living with dementia and those who care about them continue to be active participants in the communities in which they reside.
How did it start?
In the spring of 2017, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) began providing the Dementia Friend sessions through a sub-licensing agreement with Dementia Friends USA. As the state entity, we are beginning to spread Dementia Friends throughout Michigan. Join us and become a Dementia Friend. Learn the basics about dementia and what you can do to make our community a safe, respectful, and engaging place to be for people with dementia.
Who can become a Dementia Friend?
Anyone can become a Dementia Friend! There are over 5 million people living with some form of dementia in the United States. Whether we are aware of it or not, we've all encountered a person with dementia - in our church, restaurant, workplace, bank, grocery store. A person with dementia could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker, customer, or friend. Dementia Friends Michigan strives to raise awareness of what it is like to live with dementia and offering practical steps we can all take to help those with dementia navigate their daily lives safely.
What does it take?
A Dementia Friend session lasts one hour. In a one-hour Dementia Friend session participants:
- Learn about dementia
- Understand what it is like to live with the disease
- Receive tips on communicating with people who have dementia
- Turn understanding into practical action
See upcoming dates and register here.
What is Dementia Friends Michigan?
Dementia Friends Michigan is the state chapter of Dementia Friends USA, a nationwide movement changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. By incorporating Dementia Friends into open, accessible communities, those living with dementia and those who care about them continue to be active participants in the communities in which they reside.
Who can become a Dementia Friend?
Anyone can become a Dementia Friend! There are over 5 million people living with some form of dementia in the United States. Whether we are aware of it or not, we've all encountered a person with dementia - in our church, restaurant, workplace, bank, grocery store. A person with dementia could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker, customer or friend. Dementia Friends Michigan strives to raise awareness of what it is like to live with dementia and offering practical steps we can all take to help those with dementia navigate their daily lives safely.
What does it take?
A Dementia Friend session lasts one hour. In a one-hour Dementia Friend session participants:
- Learn about dementia
- Understand what it is like to live with the disease
- Receive tips on communicating with people who have dementia
- Turn understanding into practical action
See the flyer for upcoming virtual sessions
To locate a Dementia Friend session, contact the agency in your area:
(click the region link for contact information)
Region 1-B: St. Clair, Macomb, Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Monroe counties
Region 2: Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties
Region 3-B: Calhoun and Barry counties
Region 8: Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties
Region 14: Oceana, Muskegon and Ottawa counties
Get Involved
Are you a Michigan Area Agency on Aging interested in receiving Dementia Champion education in order to train Dementia Friends in your region? If so, contact us!
