Galesburg is joining a nationwide movement to create a supportive and inclusive environment for people living with dementia — and for their caregivers.
The city is the 53rd in Illinois to be recognized as a Dementia-Friendly Community, as part of the Dementia-Friendly America network.
Michael Bennett, executive director of VNA Community Services, said the recognition is the result of various organizations coming together to increase awareness and improve services for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
“We are saying loudly and clearly that people living with dementia deserve more than just care,” Bennett said. “They deserve understanding, autonomy, and inclusion.”
Non-profit, social service, healthcare, and government leaders are working to make daily life more accessible for people with memory loss in Galesburg through training, communication, and community engagement. That’s as the number of people with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase significantly in the coming years as baby boomers age.
The number of people in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s may reach 13 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Worldwide, the number of people living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s, is expected to triple in the next 30 years.
Bennett said there are many resources available for caregivers, but inevitably they will face burnout.
“So we're trying to get ahead of the curve on that and be there to support our caregivers, and be there in the community to make sure that they have every available resource,” Bennett said.
The Dementia-Friendly Galesburg initiative will host a kickoff celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Kensington Ballroom, 311 E. Simmons St.
The event will feature a keynote presentation by Lauren Brown, a nationally recognized dementia advocate.
Brown will offer insights on how communities can better understand and support people facing cognitive decline, and on building systems of care that prioritize dignity and belonging.
Bennett said the event will also include demonstrations and information about dementia-friendly practices.
There will also be a proclamation from the city on becoming the latest dementia-friendly community in the state.
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