Education

Dementia Friends

A Dementia Friend is someone who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia through increased awareness and support. Even small changes can help support people living with dementia to remain included, accepted and connected with their community.

For businesses, that means serving customers in ways that are more informed, respectful, and inclusive. For the people they serve, it creates a safer, more welcoming experience and helps reduce the stigma that often surrounds dementia. This is important because dementia is not a normal part of aging, affects more than memory, and does not take away a person’s value, identity, or ability to live meaningfully in the community.

Become a
Dementia Aware Organization

Show your organization’s commitment to empowering those living with dementia and their care partners to stay active in the community!

Showing your organization’s commitment starts with helping staff better understand dementia and how to support people living with it. To be recognized as a Dementia Friendly Location, at least 50% of staff must complete Dementia Friendly Business Training through either an in-person or online session. The training helps staff respond in ways that are more informed, respectful, and supportive for people living with dementia and their care partners.

Once that requirement is met, your organization will receive a certificate, a window decal, and a listing on our online directory of certified locations. This recognition shows the community that your organization is committed to helping people living with dementia feel welcomed, included, and supported as they stay active in the community.

Request a Business Training

Training Overview

Awareness tips about People Living with Dementia

Helpful Information and Facts about Dementia

Potential Signs and Symptoms of Dementia

Creating Supportive Physical and Social Environments

Communication Skills and Reacting to Urgent Situations

I have a friend who has been like a mother to me, and she has dementia. Going over everything you talked about was very helpful in understanding what she and her family are going through.

Hamilton County Health Dept Employee

I am so grateful we had this refresher course as a team and some new ideas for making our space even more dementia friendly.

Maggie Blake, President at Joys’s House

I learned how to redirect a resident so I can make them more comfortable.

Alpha Home Employee
45

Dementia Friendly Businesses

in Central Indiana

Level 2 Locations

These Dementia Friendly Level 2 Locations took the next step beyond training by making changes to their physical spaces. Each of these organizations worked with a person living with dementia to review the environment and identify practical improvements that could make the space easier to navigate and more welcoming.

Level 1 Locations

Level 1 Locations took the first step through dementia-friendly training that helped staff better understand dementia and the people it affects. By learning key messages and practical ways to respond, organizations became better prepared to create a more welcoming and supportive experience for people living with dementia and their care partners.

Look for the Dementia Aware Window Sticker

When you are looking for a Dementia Aware Organization, the easiest thing to watch for is the Dementia Aware window sticker. It shows that the organization has taken steps to better understand dementia and create a more welcoming, supportive experience for people living with dementia and their care partners.

There are also Dementia Aware Organizations beyond Central Indiana. Explore certified locations across the state, and visit our Resources page for additional tools, support, and information for people living with dementia, care partners, and community members.

Find Locations Across Indiana
Explore Dementia Resources

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Contact

hhess@cicoa.org
8440 Woodfield Crossing Blvd.,
Suite 175 | Indianapolis, IN 46240

Dementia Friendly Indianapolis

Dementia Friendly Indianapolis is a multi-sector community initiative apart of the Dementia Friendly America Network. DFIndy connects those living with dementia and their care partners to resources, training, and welcoming public events such as memory cafes and the Dementia Friendly Indianapolis Fall Festival.

Dementia Friendly Indianapolis is a program of CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible. EIN #35-1310387

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