BEDFORD – Dementia Friendly Indiana has announced the first annual Dementia Friendly Indiana
Statewide Conference will be held on November 12, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. EST. This event is a Hybrid Event that is FREE by registering online for the in-person attendance or the virtual option.
Registration is open until November 6, 2021. You can register by clicking here http://dfbloomington.org/event/dementia-friendly-indiana-statewide-conference/ or at
http://dflawrencecounty.org/ by clicking the Register Today button at the top of the page. You can also register by
calling 812-353-9299.
Join individuals and organizations from across Indiana who are changing their communities to better support and engage People Living with Dementia and their care partners. This is an opportunity to learn what is available, and POSSIBLE as Dementia Friendly efforts continue to create communities that work for ALL.
The conference schedule will feature a Welcome and opening of Interactive Dementia Friendly Exhibits at 10 a.m. in the gymnasium at Grace Church, 4172 East Allison Road in Camby, Indiana.
There, attendees will be able to explore dementia-friendly homes, activities, and examples of communities and learn what is available, and be inspired by others. This area includes a collaborative art project and visioning for the future of Dementia Friendly Indiana and the efforts to positively impact the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers and loved ones.
Exhibits will be available throughout the day. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a screening of the film: “Alzheimer’s: What You Can Do.” In the Auditorium of Grace Church. This will be available to online attendees, as well. Consulting Producer of the film, Jacquelyn Pogue, will share practical tips for improving brain health following the film.
A Dementia Friendly Dining Experience will be provided for in-person attendees in the Café. Lunch will be provided at
no cost to in-person attendees.
The informative and valuable Afternoon Break Out Sessions are available for both in-person and online Conference
Attendees will select one topic per session.
Session 1 (1-1:45 pm) Topics:
Pharmacogenomics; Presented by Angie Seebach, Williams Brothers Pharmacy. This session centers on new
genetic testing that can help people learn what medications are most likely to be safe and effective for them. This testing is available through pharmacies and medical providers and can save from unwanted expenses, unnecessary side effects and can make choosing medications quick and simple.
Document Prep Session; Presented by Adair Brent, Attorney. Attendees of this session can bring Power of Attorney
or other simple legal paperwork for free legal advice on document preparation, tips on planning, and notary services.
Social Work and Law Enforcement: A Dementia Friendly Best Practice; presented by Pam Gladish and Melissa Stone, Bloomington Police Department (BPD). Attendees will learn about the importance of social work in law enforcement, why BPD feels that dementia-friendly training is important to their staff, and how they have used these to improve outcomes.
Session 2 (2-3 pm) Topics:
Dementia Friends Session; presented by Rebecka Fee, CICOA. Become a “Dementia Friend” and discuss ways of implementing dementia-friendly ideas in your community/space.
Alzheimer’s Research Updates; presented by Dr. Ann Hake, MD, Eli Lilly. Dr. Hake will discuss past research on medications for Alzheimer’s, what we have learned, what is on the horizon, and future Alzheimer’s research. Legislation and Advocacy; presented by David Sklar, Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana. Learn about local, statewide, and national advocacy efforts regarding dementia and how you can get involved.
Dementia Friendly America (DFA) is a national network of communities, organizations, and individuals seeking to ensure that communities across the U.S. are equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia Friendly Indiana is a network of the 5 areas in the State of Indiana that is bringing best practices and training to businesses and organizations to support, include, and create an environment that encourages active aging for those living with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia Friendly Bloomington was the first community in the State to achieve this recognition through Dementia Friendly America. Dementia Friendly Lawrence County was the third. These two communities are helping to lead the charge in bringing greater education, awareness, and efforts in stigma reduction and inclusion for all people, no matter their diagnosis throughout Indiana.
