Dementia Training For Gloucester County First Responders July 31

United Methodist Communities at Pitman is offering a free Dementia Training for first responders in Gloucester County on Wednesday, July 31, county officials said. A light dinner will be served at 6 p.m. before the training begins at 6:30 p.m.

First responders have a higher chance than many of encountering one of the 5.8 million Americans living with dementia, according to county officials.

Pamela Garofolo, corporate manager, Tapestries (UMC’s Memory Care residences), is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, and holds a Master of Psychology.

The training will help equip first responders when assisting individuals who have cognitive impairment.

First responders will learn the basics and biology of Alzheimer disease and other related neurocognitive disorders, why emergency management and related services need to know successful approaches and communication tools, and developing problem solving and critical thinking skills.

“Dementia competency is essential among our first responders, who selflessly lend aid in all types of situations,” Garofolo said. “They are, pretty much guaranteed to see more and more dementia in the course of their service.”

United Methodist Communities at Pitman is located at 535 North Oak Avenue in Pitman. Anyone interested in participating should RSVP to msesok@UMComminities.org or call 856-589-7800.