The Dementia Friends initiative, originally developed in the UK and licensed in Minnesota through Trellis, is a nationwide effort to raise awareness and foster empathy for individuals with dementia. Through this program, simple yet crucial education is provided to help participants understand the challenges that people with dementia face in daily life.
The Minnesota Northstar Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (MN Northstar GWEP) has integrated Dementia Friends sessions into the training of health sciences students, and a variety of health care professionals and community members. These one-hour sessions offer an interactive, foundational understanding of dementia, focusing not on the clinical aspects of the disease, but on how to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia.
Teresa McCarthy, MD, MS, CMD, a leading geriatrician and associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, has dedicated much of her work to improving care for older adults, particularly those living with dementia. As part of her work with the MN Northstar GWEP, McCarthy has played a key role in integrating the Dementia Friends program into health sciences education.
The Dementia Friends program emphasizes the importance of understanding how dementia impacts communication and daily functioning, fostering empathy and patience when interacting with individuals who have cognitive impairments, and learning practical communication strategies. These skills are often not covered in traditional health sciences curricula but are essential for improving the quality of care. By raising awareness and equipping both professionals and the public with these tools, the program helps enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia.
McCarthy emphasizes that dementia education is not just for students and health care professionals. The public, family caregivers, and community leaders also benefit from learning how to better support individuals with dementia. The MN Northstar GWEP partners with Dementia Friends Minnesota to extend training sessions to a broader audience, including senior centers, public libraries, and faith-based communities.
By taking these measures, the MN Northstar GWEP hopes to make major strides toward closing the gap when it comes to Age-Friendly care. Their ultimate goal is for all geriatric patients to receive treatment that faithfully adheres to the 4M framework: what matters in their lives, their medications, their mobility, and their mentation.
Becoming a dementia champion: An opportunity for students and faculty
The MN Northstar GWEP is actively recruiting Dementia Champions, student leaders, and faculty members who are passionate about improving dementia care. These individuals will be trained to deliver Dementia Friends sessions and raise awareness about the importance of quality care for those with dementia. Champions can conduct sessions in diverse settings such as classrooms, libraries, and senior centers, contributing to a more dementia-friendly community.
If you are a health sciences student or faculty member interested in becoming a Dementia Champion, reach out to [email protected] to get involved. After completing a brief training, champions are equipped to offer information sessions that can create meaningful change in how we care for people with dementia.
For a preview of what a Dementia Friends session entails, check out a recorded information session.
By expanding these programs and training more champions, the MN Northstar GWEP is laying the groundwork for a more compassionate and educated workforce and community. It’s a simple yet powerful step towards ensuring that older adults, especially those with dementia, are treated with dignity and respect.
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