Where All People Can Live, Age and Thrive

Dementia Friendly Champaign-Urbana

Our Mission

To create a supportive community for people with dementia and their caregivers through education, outreach, and advocacy in partnership with local groups. Our goal is to build an inclusive community where individuals with dementia can thrive and feel welcomed.

Why this Matters

Majority of people with dementia live in the community interacting with

the public everyday. Prevalence of dementia is growing in Illinois - 230,000 people age 65 and older are living with dementia, or 1 in 9 people with 312,000 family caregivers providing care. Stigma around dementia deters people from seeking support.

Dementia Friendly Community

A dementia friendly community is a village, town, city, or county that is informed, safe and respectful of individuals living with dementia, their families and caregivers and provides supportive options that foster quality of life.

Our Goals & Objectives

Education

Provide Dementia Friends training with different sectors of Champaign-Urbana including banks/financial, legal, first responders, local government, etc., to understand dementia and shed light on debunking negative stereotypes.

Outreach

• Dementia awareness social media campaign shared with community partners highlights key messages

and local support resources.

• Working together helps broaden outreach and strengthen community understanding.

Advocacy

Dementia Friendly Champaign-Urbana will work with local organizations and partners to create a support community for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends are people who:

• Have a better understanding about dementia.

• Know how to engage and support persons living with dementia.

• Can make a difference for people touched by dementia.

• Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.

Interested in Dementia Friends Training?

• ebaine@illinois.edu

• 217-333-7672

Community Involvement

• Dementia Friendly Champaign-Urbana’s Leadership and Ambassadors will train businesses, community groups, faith communities, etc. as Dementia Friends. Contact us for more information.

• Tell others in your community about Dementia Friends and encourage them to become Dementia Friends.

• Become a Dementia Friends Champion through a free training that prepares you to train others about dementia and what they can do to help persons living with dementia and their family caregivers.