1. Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative (DFMI)
Executive Office
Of Elder Affairs

2. More than 1 of 9 people age 65+ has a diagnosable condition; no way to prevent, cure or slow the disease

3. How can we work together to address this public health crisis?
How can we align efforts to have the maximum impact?
How can we get whole communities involved, not just health and human service providers?
What can we learn from other parts of the U.S., and other countries?

4. Goals
Support and accelerate the creation and expansion of dementia friendly systems and grassroots programs across Massachusetts.
Ensure that diverse stakeholders are engaged, and that benefits reach varied geographic and cultural communities.
Support the integration of age-friendly and dementia friendly efforts.

5. Guideposts
Efficiency
2. Inclusion
3. Scale

6. History
May 9, 2016: Leadership Summit, hosted by Tufts Health Plan Foundation
June/July 2016: Establishment of Advisory Group and Management Committee
August 2016: Launch of first Learning Communities
November 2016: First DFMI Connector quarterly newsletter

7. Made possible by support from Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Participants
Co-conveners: Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JF&CS)
DFMI Management Committee
EOEA, JF&CS
Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter
LeadingAge MA
Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative
Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA)
Multicultural Coalition on Aging
DFMI Advisory Group
Over 40 organizations representing diverse geographic and cultural communities and professional sectors
Access, Equity & Cultural Inclusion subcommittee
DFMI Learning Communities
Eastern Massachusetts Town/City
Cape Cod & The Islands
Western Mass
Central Mass
Faith Leaders
Trainers Exchange
Leadership summit, facilitated by Olivia Mastry from Dementia Friendly America
Made possible by support from Tufts Health Plan Foundation

8. Key lessons from the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Leadership Summit, 5/9/16
We need ways to share existing tools and knowledge, so that no one has to reinvent the wheel.
Collaboration helps resources go farther. Dementia friendly initiatives should work closely with the age-friendly movement. Regional or statewide organizations, associations and business chains can spread knowledge and increase participation.
One size does not fit all. Initiatives need to fit the local community or sector in order to be effective.
Cultural inclusion requires focused attention and resources.
Start with a broad, representative action team, and learn together about strengths and gaps, to achieve sustainable results.
Language matters. Use respectful, empowering, and accurate language to educate and reduce stigma about dementia.
We are part of a national movement. Dementia Friendly America offers free sector guides, and an in-depth toolkit for geographic or cultural communities to follow. These materials are meant to be adapted as needed to individual community needs.
Massachusetts is emerging as a national leader.

9. Collective Impact model

10. Communities in action Marlborough Northborough Hudson Westborough
Sudbury

11. DFA Community Toolkit: dfamerica.org
Engaged multi-sector action teams
Completed over 100 surveys
Chose priorities; began implementation:
Dementia registries
First responder training
Expanded adult day program
Increased business awareness
Memory cafés
Website:

12. Dementia Friendly America
Sector Guides

13. Better Together: age- and dementia friendly

14. Community organizations in action
Temple Shir Tikvah
Purple Tables
Assabet Community College

15. Memory Cafés: 63 and counting!

16. Coming soon!
Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia.

17. Resources
Dementia Friendly America, community toolkit and sector guides:
Dementia Friendly Massachusetts:
Massachusetts Memory Café directory:
Memory Café Toolkits: (English); (Spanish)
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline:
Beth Soltzberg, Director, Alzheimer’s/Related Disorders Family Support Program, JF&CS, or