MILFORD, MA — Cornerstone at Milford Assisted Living & Compass Memory Support believes it’s time for a better understanding of dementia. The senior community located in Milford, MA recently held a comprehensive Dementia Awareness & Sensitivity training in conjunction with Milford Regional Medical Center for forty individuals at the Milford Senior Center. Participants in the interactive workshops included caregivers, family members of those with cognitive impairments, and members of the public who were interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Participants completed two workshops, The Dementia Experience, an immersive sensitivity training that lets participants feel what it is like to have dementia, and Understanding Dementia in the Real World, a presentation that explains what dementia is and provides communication tips for when someone exhibits symptoms of memory loss.
“Recognizing that dementia is a growing health concern in our community, Milford Regional was proud to work collaboratively with Cornerstone to not only raise awareness on this cognitive disorder, but provide valuable resources and education through such an impactful program,” says Edward J. Kelly, Milford Regional Medical Center President and CEO.
Jennifer Hozempa, Director of Compass Programming and Michelle Hamilton, Director of Community Relations, presented the dementia sensitivity training at the Milford Senior Center.
This outreach program is an expansion of Cornerstone’s Dementia Friendly Communities Initiative, a public education campaign intended to combat the social stigma and misconceptions that accompany dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and related cognitive impairments. The ultimate goal is to provide free and accessible educational tools to help people better understand dementia and learn to become more compassionate and responsive to people with cognitive impairment. Cornerstone has already brought this training to area first responders, high school students, nursing and rehab centers, case managers and banks, and hopes to train many more.
If you are interested in experiencing one of these interactive trainings, Cornerstone at Milford is happy to bring it to you! Email mhamilton@cornerstonemilford.com or call 508-473-0035 for more information.