Simsbury Seeks Funds For Seniors With Dementia

SIMSBURY, CT — If all goes as hoped for, Simsbury could soon have a special program designed to help caregivers take care of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

The Simsbury Board of Selectmen Aug. 25 unanimously voted to authorize Simsbury Town Manager Maria Capriola the authority to apply for and execute a grant agreement through AARP Connecticut for a special program to create so-called "memory cafés" for seniors with dementia and their caregivers.

CT AARP administers the 2022 Livable Communities Grant Program, which provides funding for a variety of "small" projects that "help the state’s neighborhoods, towns and cities be great places to live for people of all ages," according to AARP.

The grants are for up to $5,000 for each applying town.

“The Livable Communities Grant Program is a great opportunity for communities to complete small projects that have a big impact,” said Nora Duncan, state director of AARP Connecticut on the group's website.

“We hope that the grant will inspire communities to think creatively about how to become more livable for older adults and people of all ages.”

Capriola said the grant application is fast approaching, which is what necessitated selectmen action at a special board of selectmen meeting Aug. 25.

"It's essentially a program we'd love to do if we have resources," Capriola said.

The "memory café" program is a social event with activities designed for people with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Capriola said Simsbury's planned name is "Simsbury Stories Café."

The Alzheimer's Association defines "memory cafés" as being a "comfortable, social gathering that allows people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize and build new support networks. Cafés are free to attend and welcome to all."

The deadline to approve the grant application is Sept. 7.

For the minutes of the Aug. 25 special Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

To watch the Aug. 25 special Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

For more information on the AARP Connecticut 2022 Livable Communities Grant Program, click on this link.

For more information on "memory cafés" for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, click on this link.