WESTLAKE, Ohio — By 2060, the lives of nearly 14 million Americans will be changed because of dementia, according to the CDC. It is startling statistics like these that are leading more communities to find ways to better support these residents and their families.
At the helm of these efforts in Westlake is the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health.
“Most individuals we work with live in their own homes and residences, so they often become isolated, so socialization is an opportunity to come to our facility or wherever we do programming,” said Jerry Devis, who serves as the foundation’s executive director. “To become impacted by dementia, sometimes people become cognizant of that and fearful in the community. So, we try to bring joy and experiences and we have numerous programs for individuals and their families.”
Programs aren’t where this foundation is stopping. They are also spearheading the effort to have Westlake certified as a dementia-friendly community. In May, the city hosted an exploratory meeting, as they began the process. Among the stakeholders at the table were the police department, fire department and the senior center.
“It’s to really bring all segments of Westlake together,” Devis said. “Several organizations have come together: Businesses, city government, healthcare, nursing homes, the library system and the community services, which is the senior center. Individually, we provide services, but we want to work together as a team and collaborate.”
Dementia-friendly communities are part of a national effort that began in 2015. According to the initiative’s parent company Dementia Friendly America, these communities strive to meet the following key goals:
- Increasing awareness and understanding of dementia and people living with dementia
- Increasing awareness and understanding of brain health and risk reduction
- Collaborating with public, private, not-for-profit and health care sectors to better serve people living with dementia and care partners
- Addressing the changing needs of people with dementia and care partners
- Creating social and cultural environments that are inclusive to people living with dementia
- Improving the physical environment in public places and systems so that they are dementia friendly
There are currently seven certified dementia-friendly communities in Ohio, including Cleveland Heights and North Ridgeville.
A 2023 study published in Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy shows more than 90% of mild cognitive impairment cases go undiagnosed. Devis said encouraging and supporting those who may need to seek diagnosis will be a part of Westlake’s program.
Also included will be input from individuals with dementia in an effort to make sure their voices are heard.
“It (dementia) really can impact individuals who are younger and at various stages in their life,” said Devis. “It can change their life and their lifestyle. Families don’t know where to turn, what to do. So when they’re impacted, we want everybody to feel accepted and certainly show dignity and preserve their quality of life.”