by Jenna Trisko
news@thenewsleaders.com
The City of Sauk Rapids is well on its way to becoming a dementia-friendly community thanks to the tremendous efforts of the ACT on Alzheimer’s group that has spearheaded this initiative.
This program is the first of its kind anywhere in the United States and offers unique educational activities for residents that bring about awareness, support and resources for those with dementia and their families. These activities will allow those with dementia to be better able to cope with their illness, their environment and remain in their homes longer. The success of the action steps set forth in Sauk Rapids can serve as a model for other cities and states to use when seeking ways to better serve their residents with the disease and caregivers.
“Sauk Rapids is helping pave the way for a future that supports those people living with dementia,” said Melinda Fast, community life coordinator for Ridgeview Place and coordinator for ACT on Alzheimer’s.
In 2008, the Minnesota Legislature granted funding for dementia awareness, and now 34 cities in the state are pledging to be dementia-friendly. This program is the prototype for the entire nation as no other state has created such an initiative. Fast indicated as the growth of this project has taken shape in Sauk Rapids, the neighboring city of Sartell is also seeking to develop its own ACT on Alzheimer’s group and promoting a dementia-friendly community. The Sauk Rapids chapter of ACT on Alzheimer’s goal is to sustain this program indefinitely, to ensure as dementia becomes more prevalent, the city will be better informed and able to offer a safe and supportive environment for caregivers and those with the disease.
“We want to have our local businesses, churches, school district, emergency personnel and everyone else prepared to help support those living with dementia,” Fast said.
In 2014 this volunteer-led group administered a survey to city leaders, business owners and residents to better understand what knowledge was known about dementia and its prevalence. Based on the results of the survey, ACT on Alzheimer’s sought out and secured two grants totaling $18,000 through Blue Plus (an HMO affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota) and the Medica Foundation to develop a dementia-friendly community. The funds will be used to promote education and awareness through a multitude of city-based activities that will be available throughout the coming months.
A dementia-friendly community ensures a safe, informed and supportive environment that promotes options for quality of life for those with dementia and their families. These grants will target these dementia-friendly elements through area presentations, providing books and other educational materials to libraries and public gathering locales, handing out bookmarks and marketing materials at parades and city-wide events, developing caregiver and dementia-support groups and offering quality-of-life activities such as art or fitness programming for those dealing with dementia.
There are 89,000 people currently living with Alzheimer’s in Minnesota. Nationwide about 5.3 million people are struggling with the disease. A staggering statistic indicates that by 2050 the United States will have more than 13 million people living with Alzheimer’s. These overwhelming figures highlight the need for ongoing education and resources regarding Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as the American population continues to age.
The ACT on Alzheimer’s group is seeking to sustain Sauk Rapids as a dementia-friendly community long-term. To achieve that goal, the group is asking residents and businesses to become involved. The next events will be held in August with a presentation on cognitive screenings, which will be presented by Heritage of Foley and Spot Rehab. The date and time of that event and other upcoming presentations are yet to be determined. Information about those events can be found on the city’s website by going to ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us, then clicking on the “Residents” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the ACT tab. The group is always looking for volunteers with a variety of skill sets, as well as donations. If you would like to learn more about volunteer needs or would like to make a donation, please contact Fast via email at melinda.fast@twsl.com or by phone at 320-251-5228.
