Nathaniel Witherell Hosts Dementia Training Sessions

The statistics are staggering—5.8 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s (the most common form of dementia) and by 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s can be a stressful and challenging experience.

To meet the rising demand for education and support tools, and to help drive the Town of Greenwich’s goal to receive formal designation as a “Dementia-Friendly” place, The Nathaniel Witherell will host two one hour “Dementia Friends” information sessions,one on Thursday, May 16 and the other on Thursday, June 20, both from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in its executive boardroom. The sessions will be led by “Dementia Champion,” Lori Contadino of the Greenwich Commission on Aging, who has been specially trained. They are free and open to all.

“‘Dementia Friends’ training is a wonderful complement to the support the Witherell provides to families and caregivers of residents in our specialized Memory Care Unit,” says Allen Brown, executive director of the Nathaniel Witherell. “We have long partnered with the Commission on Aging and sponsor its ‘Aging Well’ series. We are pleased to support the Commission as it drives awareness and education to make Greenwich a place that’s supportive of all people, regardless of age or ability.”

The two one-hour sessions will provide education on what it’s like to live with dementia, and will give participants 5 key messages about the disease to take with them out into the community.

“Our goal is to change the culture and perception of dementia in the community,” says Contadino. “Our sessions are designed to increase understanding and support for what it means to live with dementia, and to let people know how they can support those afflicted with the disease, as well as their caregivers.”

The Commission on Aging is in the third year of a five-year process to attain designation for the Town of Greenwich as an “Age and Dementia Friendly” community, as recognized by the World Health Organization, AARP National and the organization Dementia Friendly America.

“Lori and the Commission on Aging have been bringing this valuable training to caregivers, community members, and businesses for over a year now, and it really enhances the quality of life for everyone in Greenwich, especially seniors,” Brown says. “We encourage everyone to get trained. We all know someone touched by this disease. This knowledge has the power to make a difference in the lives of so many people in Greenwich and beyond.”

Reservations are required. For more information or to register, call Scott Neff at (203) 618-4227 or email: sneff@friendsofwitherell.org. The sessions will be held at The Nathaniel Witherell, 70 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, CT in the 2ndfloor executive boardroom. Light refreshments will be served.