Richfield has launched an initiative to become "dementia friendly," a label for communities that are safe and engaging for people dealing with mental deterioration.
City officials decided to partner with Dementia Friends, an international program that aims to increase the visibility of people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, after businesses and residents in the 66th Street and Lyndale Avenue area expressed interest.
More than 750 Richfield residents have Alzheimer's or dementia, according to the city. The dementia-friendly classification would help the city embark on strategies to make it more supportive of those residents, according to Community Health Services Administrator Jennifer Anderson.
"Without quality dementia care and services, community-wide support, and meaningful inclusion in community life, people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers experience isolation, higher health care costs, and poorer quality of life," Anderson said.
The city held a lunch on June 20 to kick off the initiative, according to a news release.
More than 50 communities in Minnesota are classified as dementia friendly, including Edina, St. Louis Park and Hopkins.
Miguel Otárola
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