The Loomis Communities in partnership with the Holyoke Council on Aging and Senior Center and other area agencies is announcing a program to make Holyoke a Dementia Friendly Community. Such a community includes residents who are informed, safe and respectful of individuals with dementia and their families and provides supportive options for improved quality of life. Components of the program include:

• Support programs for individuals living with dementia and their family members.
• Educational programs for first responders, families, businesses and the public on the causes of dementia and communication tips for interacting with an individual living with dementia.
• A website and published materials with a list of area agencies and organizations that provide support and resources to individuals and their families Dementia Friendly Communities.

Dementia Friendly Communities Coalition Highlighted

Read article: Living with Dementia Related Disorders

You may also wish to find up to date support events on the Dementia Friendly Website.

See What Family Members Say About Dementia

Memory Café

Second Mondays, 12:30-2:00 pm

The Paper City Memory Cafe is a place where individuals with memory loss and their caregivers can get together in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Café is free and open to the public and will be held the second Monday of each month at the Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine Street, Holyoke.

Caregiver Support Groups

 Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine Street, Holyoke

Weekly, each Thursday 3-4 pm, all are welcome! For more information call the Senior Center at 413-322-5625

Loomis House, 298 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke

Dementia Caregivers Support Group held on the first Wednesday of each month, 4-5 pm. Drop-ins welcome! On March 1 the discussion will be led by a nurse who studied and taught dementia care strategies to health and social care professionals for several years before her mother was diagnosed with dementia and how she was not prepared for when it happened to her family.  For more information please call Brenda at 413-538-7551 x268

General Caregivers Support Group held on third Tuesday evenings of each month, 6-7:30 pm, drop-ins welcome. For more information call Sandy at 413-538-7551

Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke

Third Tuesdays of the month, 1-2:00 pm, monthly support group for family members of Veterans with dementia residing in the Soldiers’ Home.

South Hadley Council on Aging, 45 Dayton Street, South Hadley

Monthly, pre-registration required, call 413-538-5042

Training Available

First Responder, Police and Fire

Dementia Friendly Education and Communication Tips for the Community, Friends, Family and Businesses