Greenwich United Way Community Planning Council Hosts Age And Dementia Discussion

GREENWICH, CT - From the Greenwich United Way: The topic for the Greenwich United Way Community Planning Council September presentation was Older Adults and focused on ways the Greenwich community is working to be a more age- and dementia- friendly community. The presentation was led by Lori Contadino, Director, Greenwich Commission on Aging; Dr. Donna Phanumas, Geriatrician, Greenwich Hospital; and Donna Spellman, Executive Director, River House.

According to the Greenwich United Way’s Needs Assessment, of the more than 11,000 Greenwich residents that are 65 and older, one-third of them have an income less than $50,000. Given current trends, older adults will comprise 20% of our Town’s population by the year 2020.

Highlights from the Presentation:

• In December 2016, Greenwich began a 5-year process to win designation as an Age- and Dementia- Friendly Community by the World Health Organization and the AARP. Greenwich is the first town in the state to apply. There are 184 communities nationwide with this recognition.

• The goal is to improve the livability and quality of the Town across the following eight domains: outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community and health services. For example, one possible action plan would be to increase the crossing time for red lights, which would benefit not only older adults but also young families and disabled residents.

• The Commission on Aging is conducting a survey to identify three priority areas for the next three years and develop an action plan to address them.

• The Town is also pursuing an initiative to make Greenwich a dementia-friendly community. It will encourage organizations, businesses, community groups to make practical changes to have a positive impact on the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers. The number of people with dementia in the U.S. is expected to increase from 5 million today to 14 million by 2050. River House estimates 90% of its clients have dementia.

• To create a greater public understanding of dementia, 65 professionals in Town have been trained as “dementia friends.” These friends will, in turn, train a broader range of community members as “dementia champions.”

• Older adults face an increased risk of depression and neurobehavioral manifestations of dementia. Psychiatric services for community residents in Greenwich who have dementia need to be expanded. Geriatric psychiatrists and clinical social workers can help address this unmet need.

• Falls are the leading cause of death from injury for persons 65 and older. The rate of fatal falls in this age group increased between 1993-2003. Nursing and home care services and caregiver education should focus on fall prevention.

• 16% of ER visits for older adults are due to adverse drug events. Expanding nursing services and use of technology for medication dispersal can reduce this risk.

The Greenwich United Way Community Planning Council will host a public meeting on Tuesday, December 5, at 7:30 AM, titled the Legislative Breakfast. The event will feature a Q&A forum with State legislators and the First Selectman, at the Town Hall Meeting Room. Help grow awareness for the Community Planning Council by sharing news about the Community Planning Council on social media. Search these hashtags for latest posts (#GUW_CommunityPlanningCouncil). Visit Greenwich United Way online for more information (www.greenwichunitedway.org).

Image via Greenwich United Way