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Date: 12/6/2023
WILBRAHAM — As people are living longer and the large baby boomer population ages, more people are finding themselves living with dementia or taking care of someone who does. In Wilbraham, where the federal Census Bureau’s estimates that 22.2% of Wilbraham residents are over 65 years of age, a coalition of businesses and organizations is educating people on how to be dementia friendly.
Wilbraham Dementia Friendly is a collaborative organization that includes the Wilbraham Council on Aging, the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Assisted Living Locators, Orchard Valley at Wilbraham, Life Care Centers of Wilbraham, JGS Lifecare, the East of the River Chamber of Commerce and Country Bank.
Katie Krupka, director of placement and aging services for Assisted Living Locators, said the organization has begun a monthly series of events that focus on various aspects of dementia and how to create a more welcoming and inclusive community for those who have it. On Dec. 12, from 4-6 p.m., Dr. May Awkal, an internal medicine specialist, will discuss updates on the HOPE Study, a clinical trial of a non-invasive medical device to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Krupka said the talk will also cover recognizing the signs of Alzheimer’s Disease so the person can receive a diagnosis early in the disease’s progression.
Awkal, who is in private practice at Am Medical in Longmeadow, also works with residents of area assisted living facilities, providing care on-site, Krupka explained.
Krupka said communities across the country are working on becoming dementia-friendly, which involves educating businesses and the public about interacting with those living with dementia.
“I think more people know about [dementia], but I don’t think they understand how to interact with people living with it,” Krupka said. This includes not pressuring them to remember something they may have forgotten and reacting out of frustration. “Each person is different. It’s important to meet people where they’re at. The person with dementia, what they’re saying may not be reality, but for them, it is real.”
People with dementia are not the only ones who need support. Caring for those with dementia can be stressful. Krupka said there are options for caregivers, including information, training, guidance and respite services. For more information, visit Greater Springfield Senior Services at gsssi.org.
For more information about the local dementia friendly initiative, contact the Wilbraham Senior Center, at the Wilbraham Senior Center, 45 Post Office Park, #4502 at 413-596-8379.