About Dementia Friends
As the number of Indiana residents affected by dementia continues to grow, so does the need for communities to better understand dementia and better accommodate the challenges of those affected by the diseases that cause it.
The Dementia Friends Indiana initiative–an outreach of Dementia Friendly America–seeks to educate communities across the state about dementia, break down the stigma surrounding dementia, and implement practical changes that make life easier to navigate for those with dementia and for their loved ones.
Indiana became the 10th state with a Dementia Friends program in 2017, starting with communities in central Indiana. In 2019, we are expanding statewide, so look for a Become-a-Friend session near you!
Play Your Part
Each sector of a community has a unique role to play in contributing toward dementia friendliness, whether it is a hospital or health care settings, a business or retail locations, community-based services, faith communities, local government or residential care.
The state administrator for the Dementia Friends Indiana initiative is CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, a not-for-profit agency providing information, advocacy and support services for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers in central Indiana. CICOA works with the other 15 area agencies on aging in Indiana to develop Dementia Friends programs throughout Indiana.
DFI in the News
We’re working tirelessly to reduce the stigma of Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia.
03/02/2020 – CICOA: IU Health Saxony Hospital Named First Dementia Friends Indiana Hospital
02/28/2020 – WISH-TV: ‘Pinball for Dementia’ event raises awareness for Hoosiers battling disease
02/27/2020 – Indy Star: Dementia fight could tilt with pinball’s aid
02/25/2020 – Current in Fishers: Pinball Wizards: Family’s unique collection inspires fundraiser
01/16/2020 – The Southside Times: Dementia Friends Indiana helps to educate others and reduce the stigma of the disease
01/05/2020 – South Bend Tribune: South Bend Center aims to make dementia care more inclusive, in a ‘normal environment’
12/12/2019 – Connersville News Examiner: Dementia is not normal; friends can help
12/01/2019 – The Republic: Forget me not: Restaurant introduces dementia-friendly dining