MEDIA RELEASE
Middlesex Centre, Ontario, January 4, 2024 – Middlesex Centre unveiled a new decal on the doors of the Komoka Wellness Centre today, recognizing the municipality as a Dementia Friendly CommunityTM Supporter. The decals will soon be on all municipal buildings, provided by the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners in acknowledgement of Middlesex Centre’s efforts to build a community where people living with dementia and their care partners are welcomed, included, and supported.
Middlesex Centre is one of the first municipalities in our region to receive this acknowledgement.
“Staff and council are committed to making Middlesex Centre’s facilities inclusive and accessible so that residents and visitors can participate fully in community life,” said Mayor Aina DeViet. “Working with the Alzheimer Society to welcome and support those living with dementia and their families is an important part of this commitment.”
As part of the Dementia Friendly Community Supporter program, the municipality provided dementia friendly training to more than 75 per cent of staff who interact with the public. Additionally, Middlesex Centre worked with the Alzheimer Society to offer a three-week workshop series on reducing the risk of dementia in the fall of 2023.
This partnership will continue, with Middlesex Centre and the Alzheimer Society offering an eight-week Minds in Motion® fitness and social program for people living with dementia in the early and mid-stages and their care partners in spring of 2024.
“In Canada, almost 70% of people living with dementia reside at home. Community partnerships are essential in helping to ensure that people continue to be active and engaged within their communities,” explained Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners CEO Carol Walters. “We rely on—and are grateful for—municipal partners like Middlesex Centre, who help us serve the more than 14,000 people in our region living with dementia, their families and care partners.”
Middlesex Centre’s Age-Friendly Community Action Plan makes specific recommendations related to supporting those living with dementia and their care partners. Staff will continue to develop dementia friendly initiatives over time, in conjunction with the annual budget process.
“According to Alzheimer Society of Canada forecasts, Ontario could see a 202% dementia increase between 2020 and 2050,” commented Mayor DeViet. “Our efforts are a good first step to supporting and serving our residents now and in future.”
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Photo (left to right): Justin Fidler, Lise Massen, Sean Hanlon and Mayor Aina DeViet of Middlesex Centre, and Leslie Rand and Susan Oster from the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, hold the new Dementia Friendly Community Supporter decals that will be going up at municipal buildings.
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Media Contact:
Heather Kepran
Municipality of Middlesex Centre