PA Department of Aging Renews Grant for Dementia Programs for Fifth Consecutive Year
Type: News
Focus Area: Aging
Occupational Therapy students at the University of Pittsburgh recently became Dementia Friends.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging has renewed its contract with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation to administer the statewide programs Dementia Friends Pennsylvania and Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania. The Department has funded Dementia Friends PA since 2020 and Dementia Friendly PA since 2022. Stacie Bonenberger, MOT, OTR/L, Anneliese Perry, MS, NHA, CECM, and Deanna Perry, MS, LPC, are the statewide coordinators for these growing initiatives.
“The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is forever grateful for our partnership with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, Dementia Friends, and Dementia Friendly PA. Their tireless and inspiring work to educate our communities and the public about dementia and encourage Dementia Friends to share information has been a tremendous asset to PDA and our efforts to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related disorders,” said PDA Secretary Jason Kavulich. “In addition, the work of Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania aims to create safe, informed, inclusive, and respectful communities across the Commonwealth for those living with dementia and their families. These initiatives support the Department’s efforts and goals to make resources available about early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia, especially in diverse and underserved communities within the Commonwealth. We thank the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, Dementia Friends PA, and Dementia Friendly PA for their continued collaboration and support.”
To date, nearly 20,000 individuals have become Dementia Friends, and 10 Dementia Friendly communities have been established across the state. Through a train-the-trainer model, Dementia Friends equips volunteers to offer free information sessions, where community members learn about dementia and are encouraged to implement practical changes that can support people living with dementia. Dementia Friendly communities are grassroots, volunteer-led efforts that employ cross-sector partnerships, outreach and education, and other complimentary community programs to help people living with dementia and their care partners navigate and access services and supports and enjoy meaningful social inclusion.