Dementia Friendly Indianapolis, established in January 2023, is part of a community network cultivated by Dementia Friendly America. To view the other Dementia Friendly Communities in Indiana, check out https://www.dfindiana.org/.
Dementia Friendly Indianapolis
A community action team dedicated to supporting those living with dementia and their care partners.
Check out our page for connections to resources and events that are for all community members!
Our Mission
Community Events
Awareness
Education
Resources
Upcoming Events
Jun 5
Heartland Church
Thursday
Memory Cafe- Hosted by Power Over Dementia Fitness at Heartland Church Sale has ended
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Heartland Church 14900 East 126th Street, Fishers, Indiana 46037
Jun 11
Wednesday
Caregiver Support: Chair Yoga/Social Hour, Hosted by Indy PL
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Jun 14
Saturday
Jog Your Memory- 5K Walk/Run
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
No event found!
We have over 60 action team members who govern this cross-sector initiative. Action team members meet monthly through a hybrid format-on teams or coming in-person to CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions’ office. As a multi-organizational team, also comprised with people living with dementia and their care partners, we come together to create and promote dementia friendly activities. Check out some of these activities below!
Action Team Organizations
Community Events
Memory Cafes
Our action team hosts memory cafes, as well as promoting and helping other organizations hosting cafes in the area. To check out the upcoming Memory Cafes, click here.
What
A safe and social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partner/loved one.
Where
Anywhere!
Who
For people living with dementia and their loved ones
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Accessibility is key so all are welcome!
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Activities can be adapted to all members – even those in the late stages.
Why
Social interaction, FUN!, Community
Save the date for next Fall Fest, Wednesday October 8th 3-6pm at University of Indianapolis
Fall Festival
Our Fall Festival is a yearly event hosted in support of the ReImagining Dementia-Taking it to the Streets Campaign! Hosted in partnership with University of Indianapolis Center of Aging & Community, this festival is for all community members to come, access resources, and enjoy fall festivities and food!
Our vendor spots are available to Dementia Friendly Indianapolis action team members first, so join us for first dibs!
If you are interested in sponsoring part of our Fall Festival, please email to hhess@cicoa.org.
Spring Festival
Thursday, April 24th 3-6pm at Northminster Presbyterian Church (1660 Kessler Boulevard East Dr, Indianapolis, IN, 46220)
Join us for the 1st annual Dementia Friendly Indianapolis Spring Festival! Come out for exciting Spring activities, resources and food! This is a welcoming event that will have activities, plenty of resources, and a relaxation area on-site for anyone who may become overstimulated.
Thank you to our generous sponsors; ComForCare North Metro Indy, Alert Medical Alarms, Communicare, Guardian Care, and A Day after Day Home Care Agency.
Living Well with Dementia
Living Well with Dementia events highlights community members in the area who are truly living well with a dementia diagnosis, and gives them an opportunity to share their story with others. CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions and the Alzheimer’s Association share what resources they offer to help those in the community.
We have hosted this event several times with organizations such as the following: Shelby Senior Center, Independent Adult Day Center, Still Waters Adult Day Center, and A Senior Retreat.
You can request to host a Living Well with Dementia event here:
Contact us
Have any questions? Feel free to contact us here!
Holly Hess graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in healthcare management. During her time in college, she worked as a CNA in multiple healthcare settings including home health and long-term care. After working as a CNA, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to advocate and serve those living with dementia and their care partners. Holly has been on CICOA’s staff for two years, and just recently received my Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) license! She also serves as the regional liaison for any up and coming communities in Central Indiana.
Site Contributors
Nate Osborne
Lucas Wolf
Pierce Issah