East Farmington Fire Station goes though Farmington Station’s interactive Dementia Experience, meant to build understanding and empathy towards those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
FARMINGTON, CT — The team at Farmington Station Assisted Living has been getting quite creative with finding new and meaningful ways to connect with and give back to the greater Farmington community.
Lindsay Miller, who was named Farmington Station’s Executive Director back in August 2022, is passionate about connecting with the greater Farmington community and has been looking for ways for Farmington Station — team members and residents alike — to support local vulnerable populations.
“Our number one priority at Farmington Station is to enhance each resident’s quality of life, and this mindset extends beyond our building. When we heard about the many ways the town was offering to give back for the holidays, I jumped at the chance to mobilize our residents, families and entire team to support our neighbors in need,” shared Miller.
Farmington Station’s team recently partnered with the town’s Community & Recreational Services to help host their first annual Winter Holiday Breakfast, where attendees enjoyed a hot breakfast, crafting stations, and a visit from Santa Claus. All proceeds raised by the event go directly to Farmington Community Chest to support local families in need.
Farmington Station also participated in Community & Recreational Services annual holiday program, sponsoring five local families by providing everything needed for a delicious holiday meal, and gifting presents from five children’s Christmas “wish list.”
“Connecting with people in meaningful ways, whether they are residents, staff, partners or neighbors, is of utmost importance to me both professionally and personally. I want folks to know that Farmington Station Assisted Living can be a resource for them,” shares Miller. “From supporting programs like those put on by Community Services, to bringing our Dementia Sensitivity training to the local fire department, and even our own staff programs like the special training program our team recently went through to help them better support and bring dignity to our LGBTQ residents, all underscore this priority.”
The East Farmington Fire Station has been through Farmington Station’s interactive sensitivity training, the Dementia Experience, which uses sensory modifications and role playing activities to build empathy and understanding towards those with dementia. Every participant walks away from the workshop with an understanding of the challenges those living with dementia can be experiencing each day as well as practical communication and de-escalation tips.
Farmington Station also recently became one of the first assisted living communities in Connecticut to achieve Platinum status through the national nonprofit SAGECare’s LGBTQ Cultural Competency training program, which has trained assisted living staff on ways to better understand the unique needs, identities and cultures of LGBTQ older adults and their families.
“We’re looking forward to partnering with more organizations this year to spread understanding about dementia and Alzheimer’s, and to educate the general public on how Farmington Station can be a great resource once someone needs a more supportive living environment,” shares Miller.Learn more about Farmington Station Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support online at www.FarmingtonSLR.com.
Farmington Station’s team serves breakfast at Farmington Community & Recreational Services’ Winter Holiday Breakfast
Farmington Station EnrichedLIFE Director Tanya Whiterock delivers holiday donations to Farmington Community & Recreational Services