City seeks public input into Dementia-Friendly Richmond project

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. defines a dementia-friendly community as one that focuses on the inclusion of people living with dementia and on stigma reduction. (Pixabay photo)

Richmond, BC – The public is invited to provide input into the Dementia-Friendly Richmond project, which is aimed at making life easier for the growing number of people living with dementia. Focus groups will take place in June and a survey will be available on LetsTalkRichmond.ca until July 1.
The City of Richmond was awarded an Age-Friendly Grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) to create a Dementia-Friendly Community Action Plan for Richmond. The creation of an action plan for Richmond will provide the City and its community partners with a common vision on initiatives and actions to assist people living with and affected by dementia.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. defines a dementia-friendly community as one that focuses on the inclusion of people living with dementia and on stigma reduction. Ideally, each community member is educated about dementia and recognizes that people living with dementia may experience the world differently.
People living with dementia and those affected by dementia – including friends, family, caregivers, neighbours and coworkers are invited to share their experiences and provide input by completing a survey or by attending a neighbourhood focus group.
Details about the six focus groups can be found at www.richmond.ca/dementiafriendly. Two caregiver sessions for those caring for someone with dementia are available as well as translation and transportation options at some locations. All focus groups require registration: those interested are encouraged to register early to ensure their spot. Register online at www.richmond.ca/register, by calling the
Registration Call Centre at 604-276-4300 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or in person at any City of Richmond community facility. Please quote the course number when registering.
Those not able to attend a focus group are invited to complete a survey online at LetsTalkRichmond.ca from June 5 to July 1, 2018. Printed copies of the survey can be requested by calling the City’s registration call centre at 604-276-4300.
The creation of a dementia-friendly community action plan will focus on the inclusion of people living with dementia and ensure support and accessibility for all Richmond residents. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, in 2016, there were an estimated 564,000 Canadians living with dementia.
By 2031, this is expected to rise to 937,000, an increase of 66 per cent. An estimated 70,000 British Columbians are living with dementia.