Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca

Description

In 2015, residents of the rural community of Winnemucca, Nevada, held a meeting about people with dementia and driving, especially the importance of offering transportation options for those individuals instead of just taking away their driver's license. This discussion led to the development of Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly of Winnemucca (ADF-Winnemucca), which holds monthly meetings focused on identifying and supporting the needs of older adults in the community. Community group goals include:

• Increase education and public awareness of dementia and support for family care partners
• Offer respite to family caregivers by providing respite retreats and financial support
• Enhance community-led efforts to age smart, age strong, and age well
• Advance knowledge and understanding of Alzheimer's and other dementias through a variety of events and activities

This project is part of the statewide initiative Dementia Friendly Nevada and the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. In addition, it received an Independent Living Grant from the State of Nevada Department of Health & Human Services and won 2018 and 2021 AARP Community Challenge grants.

Services offered

Every month, volunteers meet to discuss action plans for aging-related issues like:

• Caregiver support offered weekly for caregivers and those with early-stage dementia
• Alzheimer's Support Group held monthly at Humboldt General Hospital
• Housing that's safe, affordable, and designed for residents of any age
• Information about local and statewide health services
• Opportunities for volunteering and community involvement, especially through their respite program and in-home respite services
• Social events that include people of all ages
• Transportation services in a community where transportation options are limited

ADF-Winnemucca also organizes a variety of events and educational opportunities, including:

• Monthly meetings where the public can learn more about dementia
• Book discussion support group at Pleasant Senior Center for those with early dementia or their caregivers, followed by 3.5 hours of respite care that includes lunch, games, conversation, music, crafts, and more
• Brain Health Summit, a community awareness and resource opportunity
• Active participation in the Dementia Friendly Nevada activities
• R.E.S.T. (Respite Education and Support Tools) training and respite retreats for caregivers
• Dementia Self-Management sessions, a Music and Memory program, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers presentations
• Regular publication of articles in the local newspaper and a local magazine to keep the public educated and informed of events
• Fundraising activities to support respite and education efforts, including the following:
  • Tie-One-On a bow tie tying contest held in January at Lowry High School between Boys and Girls Varsity basketball games
  • Sprint Triathlon in May to promote awareness and personal health
  • Golf Scramble held in June with proceeds benefiting the respite program
  • Bike race with Winnemucca Bike Racing Group in October
  • Up and AATT'em (Alzheimer's Awareness Turkey Trot) held Thanksgiving morning

Tablets are available to those living with dementia and their caregivers for conferencing so individuals can order groceries, access telehealth, and video-call with loved ones. All ADF-Winnemucca meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month and are offered in-person and via videoconferencing.

Results

ADF-Winnemucca's efforts have led to the following results:

• A flipchart for residents of health information and other support services in the state
• Concierge services: helping seniors leave the house and get on and off the bus
• Wider parking spaces for the senior bus
• More outdoor seating, like benches along main walkways
• Education for shopkeepers and restaurant service staff
• Education for seniors about documents like wills and power of attorney forms
• Valet parking at the senior center
• Increased engagement opportunities for all community members on Alzheimer's, dementia, brain health, caregiving, and beyond
• Presentations on AARP's website and meetings

Challenges

Funding is always a challenge. The project also works to erase stigma associated with aging and dementia through education, interaction, and discussion opportunities.

Replication

The initial town hall meeting included a wide variety of stakeholders, including the mayor, district attorney, court judge, city council, hospital administration, a family member of someone with dementia, and other concerned community members. Many of these individuals continue to work with the project.

The Dementia Friendly Nevada initiative offers numerous educational resources and a directory of Nevada services.

Contact Information

Gini Cunningham, Facilitator
Winnemucca Alzheimer's Support Group
ginilc25@gmail.com