The Town of Marion may be emerging as one of the most sensitive to the needs of those with dementia, along with their caretakers.
On Monday, November 13, at 5:00 pm, the town will be hosting “Supporting Dementia” as part of its ongoing initiative to help those suffering from dementia, as well as support for their caregivers. The event will be held at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street.
Marion was one of the first area communities to offer a “Memory Café,” during which dementia patients and their caregivers share a meal and play some games.
“I support the creation of the team and building opportunities for education,” Town Administrator Geoff Gorman said during an interview earlier this year about the town’s efforts. “It is vitally important that we create an environment that is educated on how dementia can affect both families and a close community such as Marion.”
Council on Aging Director Karen Gregory says the Memory Cafe has been a success after it was initiated almost seven years ago. According to Gregory, Marion was among the first area towns to begin that but remains one of the few to still conduct it on a weekly basis.
“It’s a place where you don’t feel alone,” she said. “We are unique in that we meet every week to keep the continuity going and establish connections.”
The upcoming event will add to that support.
“It’s a never-ending job. It goes on 24-7, and (we look for) any way we can to be of support and relief,” Gregory said. “We have a great building block with our Memory Cafe.”
Gregory says she hopes that the November 13 event will allow locals to share stories so COA representatives can assess situations and offer more support or guidance.
“Once we find what is needed, we can fill that void,” she said.
According to a written release from the COA, it is projected that by 2025, an estimated 150,000 Massachusetts residents will be living with Alzheimer’s disease, which does not account for those with other types of dementia.
An RSVP to 508-748-3570 is encouraged, as a light meal will be served during the November 13 event. Transportation can also be arranged, if needed.
Gregory can also be reached at kgregory@marionma.gov.
Marion Council on Aging
By Jeffrey D. Wagner