Becoming Age-Friendly. Joining the World Health Organization and AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities

Transcription

1 Becoming Age-Friendly Joining the World Health Organization and AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities

2 BACKGROUND The World Health Organization established the Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities in 2006 to prepare for: Population Aging Urbanization AARP became Age-friendly affiliate in US in 2010.

3 Municipal Services

4 Top 4 on Older Adult Wish List Age in place preferably in their home, otherwise in their community. Affordable and accessible housing Variety of public transportation options especially when they can no longer Opportunities to work, volunteer and socialize

5 Everybody PEOPLE WANT Wants LIVABLE a Livable COMMUNITIES Community LONGEVITY ECONOMY

6 JOINING the AGE FRIENDLY NETWORK TOGETHER

7 AARP MA Network Communities MA Age-Friendly Network (49) Agawam, Berkshire county (32 cities/towns ), Boston, Dartmouth, Lawrence, Martha s Vineyard (6 towns), New Bedford, Newton, Peabody, Salem, Stoughton, Wakefield, West Springfield More in process (another 13+ early 2018) A 13-city greater Boston sub-region, Arlington, Belmont, Cape Ann, Needham, Quincy??

8 AARP Age Friendly Process Step 1: Application & Acceptance into Network Step 2: Develop an Action Plan (Years 1-2) Step 4: Commitment to Continuous Cycle of Improvements (Years 5+) Step 3: Implement & Evaluate Action Plan (Years 3-5) Livable Communities Great Places for All Ages

9 Including Dementia Friendly

10 Better Together Recommendations Integrate from the outset Save time, money and coordinate communication. DF in all planning phases Engage dementia-specific stakeholders Compare domains/sectors; full integration across plan Or develop DF domain Existing AF Communities Include people w/dementia and caregivers in process. Existing DF Communities Broaden conversation to include needs of all residents as they age.

11 Better Together: Comparing Processes Timelines and Phases AF: 5-year timetable, action plan wider in scope. DF: flexible timeline Political Commitment AF: letter from elected. DF: no formal membership but readiness criteria suggests at least 3 sectors Stakeholders Both require active constituent engagement, i.e. older adults and people with dementia and caregivers; DF/dementia interest groups, AF/reps from 8 domains

12 Better Together: Comparing Processes Accountability AF: 5-continuous cycle of improvement, action plans submitted and approved, progress reports. DF: no formal oversight. Learning Networks Both offer range of tools, resources and connections and they share tools. Both encourage communities to be better places for older adults and people with dementia to live. But it s Better Together -- an official connection strengthens the work!

13 Better Together: Comparing Content of the Work Flexibility DF: more proscriptive both in actions and in stakeholders to engage. AF: communities can design their approaches and add or delete domains. Role of Caregivers DF: caregivers explicitly considered. AF: caregivers are considered but attention not comparable.

14 Better Together: Comparing Content of the Work Diverse vs. Specific Needs DF: guidance re specific needs of particular group. AF: tries to account for broad diversity of needs in older adults. Stigma and Social Isolation DF: awareness and stigma reduction at top of list but not comparable in AF work.

15 Other Better Together Recommendations THPF: Report on Demographics, Programs & Services for an Age and Dementia Friendly Commonwealth while there s been a dramatic increase in the number of communities working to become age friendly, most of the state is not This is unfortunate because the exchange of support, encouragement, and lessons learned is diminished because communities are not considering age friendly opportunities strategically.

16 RESOURCES

17 AARP Age-Friendly Resources Community Challenge Grants AARP awarded grants in 2017 for pilots/activities supporting livable community projects nationally. More money available next year. Quarterly Webinars Conferences (annual AARP Livable Communities Conference). TA with applications and action plans from state and national AARP offices; conference calls; learning communities. Online toolkits and sample documents. More AARP resources in process: online action plan template, workbooks with pullout surveys and assessments, online data survey to track AF impact in communities.

18 AARP Caregiver Resources & Advocacy Care Act (in effect as of Nov 8,2017) Hospital provides patient opportunity to designate caregiver; caregiver notified when patient discharged or moved; caregiver given explanation and demonstration of medical tasks. Prepare to Care DIY Toolkit Sign up on AARP Volunteer Portal for access Caregiver Guide (also in Spanish)

19 For More Information Valerie Spain, Age Friendly Lead Austin Hodge, Advocacy Specialist Antron Watson, Program Specialist Links AARP.org/livable AARP.org/agefriendly (link to application, toolkits and materials) AARP.org/livabilityindex 19

20 Start Where You Stand: how to begin and sustain your Dementia Friendly efforts November 9, 2017 Emily Kearns, PhD, MBA Dementia Friendly Massachusetts

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22 Speaking of Dementia: Language Matters Dementia is NOT a specific disease Dementia is - a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life Memory loss is an example Alzheimer s is the most common type of dementia Some conditions creating dementia are reversible- thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies

23 Reframing Dementia: Inclusion and Accessibility World Health Organization s Action Plan April 2017 Dementia Action Alliance First Annual Conference June 2017 Dementia as living with a disability Dementia as a public health issue Language change Not suffering from dementia but living with challenges Not demented but living with dementia Culture change disabilities rights movement nothing about me without me Inclusion, accessibility, being seen as a resource People living with dementia, like all of us, need and deserve to live with purpose and choice Ex. Mentoring and advocacy Dementia Action Alliance

24 Prevalence and Whole-Community Impact 1 in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer s Disease (10 percent!) - Not including other causes of dementia Of those living with Alzheimer s: 3 % are ages % are ages % are 85 and older

25 Massachusetts Current: 120,000 individuals living w Alzheimer s 2025: 150,000 will be living w Alzheimer s = a 25% increase Source: Alzheimer s Association 2017 Alzheimer s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer s Dement 2017; 13:

26 Disparities Older African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to live with Alzheimer s and other dementias African- Americans: twice as likely than older whites Hispanics 1.5 times as likely than older whites NOTE: genetic factors don t seem to account for this difference in prevalence. Health, lifestyle, and socioeconomic risk factors do

27 The Response: Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Executive Office Of Elder Affairs

28 Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Goals Support and accelerate the creation and expansion of dementia friendly systems and grassroots programs across Massachusetts. Ensure that diverse stakeholders are engaged, and that benefits reach varied geographic and cultural communities. Support the integration of age-friendly and dementia friendly efforts.

29 Creating Livable Communities Aligning Age- and Dementia Friendly Efforts Livable Communities = Age-Friendly Domains w Dementia Friendly Emphases Inclusion: include people living with dementia and their care partners in the planning Accessibility: Built and Social Environments are Accessible to those living w memory impairment Examples: Housing and Transportation Planning

30 Livable Communities: Aligning Age- and Dementia Friendly Efforts 8 Domains of Livability The Built Environment The Social Environment

31 dfamerica.org

32 Community Web-Based Resource

33 An All-Sectors Approach

34 Start Where You Stand Step 1: Select a domain/program area to start Step 2: Create a workgroup comprised of individuals representing several sectors in your community Step 3: Include individuals with dementia in the workgroup Step 4: Assess the domain/program area for dementia friendliness - What s working well? - What needs strengthening? - KEY: Is it accessible: clear signage, training for staff and community, etc.? Step 5: Create an action plan identifying resources, responsible parties, task/timeline, intergenerational participation Step 6: Celebrate wins! Step 7: Slow and steady evolving process!

35 Example: Transportation How accessible is the public transportation for those with memory impairment visual signs, safe bus stops, accessible crosswalks? Is there a volunteer drivers program? Are paratransit drivers trained in dementia awareness? Are Uber and LYFT drivers trained in dementia awareness?

36 More Examples: Environmental Design: Is your Senior Center and Its Programs Dementia Friendly? How are your businesses? Goal: To design familiar features and spaces that prompt decision making, reduce agitation, encourage meaningful activity and social interaction, reduce risks, and maintain abilities.

37 Environmental Design Considerations Signage: Use essential signs and symbols for orientation and wayfinding. Flooring and other design features: choose contrasting color schemes Use materials and surfaces that support independence and cannot be mistaken as barriers. Create Pathways: provide interesting, safe indoor and outdoor pathways with smooth surfaces for walking and to encourage mobility.

38 Environmental Design Considerations Use technology to promote independence: e.g., motion sensors that trigger lights to reduce falls, electronic tracking devices, communication devices, alarms triggered by water level in bath or sink in private homes, talking labels/touch screens.

39 We re Here to Help! Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Contact us for Technical Assistance Join our DFMI mailing list: Visit Click Get Involved. Organize Dementia-Friendly Workgroups: Examples: Housing, Environmental Design, and Transportation Organize a local educational event about dementia Share Dementia Friendly America s Sector Guides and Videos Contact Emily Kearns for more information! ekearns@jfcsboston.org

40 Check out our website: Emily Kearns: or

41 Creating an Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly Boston

42 Boston s Growing Aging Population Source: Donahue projections are prepared by the UMass Donahue Institute ( MAPC projections are prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), an organization based in Boston. MAPChigh projections assume stronger population growth and are recommended by MAPC for use by municipalities.

43 The growth of Boston s older population means there will also be more people with Dementia

44 What is a dementia-friendly community? A dementia friendly community is one that cares about its neighbors; listens to its residents with dementia; sees the signs; understands the needs; and one that acts. It s a place where people with dementia will live as independently as possible; where they are valued and respected, engage in activities that we all take for granted and are supported as these activities become more difficult. Where changes in the person are noticed, understood, and accepted. (From Dementia-Friendly Wisconsin)

45 Dementia-Friendly goals Educate the community by increasing awareness and understanding of dementiatype diseases Decrease the stigma of the disease Foster community involvement Improve lives of those with dementia and those who care for someone with memory challenges

46 City of Boston Mayor s Alzheimer s Initiative

47 How it began in Boston In Spring of 2014 the Aging in Boston report was released indicating a sharp increase in the growth of residents 60 and over. Projections estimate Boston will grow from 88,000 older residents to over 140,000 by New Mayor Martin J. Walsh signed on to the World Health Organization network of age and dementia-friendly cities.

48 Dementia-Friendly Communities States with communities that have joined the Dementia Friendly America network: Alabama/ Arizona/ Arkansas/ California/ Colorado/ Connecticut/ Florida/ Hawaii/ Indiana/ Illinois/ Maine/ Maryland/ Massachusetts/Michigan Minnesota/ Montana/ Nebraska/ Nevada/ New York/ North Carolina/ Ohio/ Oklahoma/ Pennsylvania/ Tennessee/ Texas/ Utah/ Washington/ / West Virginia/ Wisconsin/ Wyoming

49 The Rising Momentum of the Dementia Friendly Movement

50 dfamerica.org

51 Organizing to Meet the Goal: Web-based Tools and Resources Our website includes sector guides, provider tools, a community toolkit and other guidance for communities working towards becoming dementia friendly. 51

52 Dementia-Friendly Massachusetts Goals 1. Support and accelerate the creation and expansion of dementia friendly systems and grassroots programs across Massachusetts. 2. Ensure that diverse stakeholders are engaged, and that benefits reach varied geographic and cultural communities. 3. Support the integration of age-friendly and dementia friendly efforts.

53 What are the steps has Boston taken to become dementia-friendly? Trained all EMS/EMT First Responder personnel Created first City of Boston employee team for the Walk to End Alzheimer s. Mayor Walsh serves as Honorary Chair Public Awareness campaign including a brain-awareness day at City Hall Created an Alzheimer s Resource Directory First memory screening event at City Hall Lunch & Learns to educate City of Boston employees

54 Walk to End Alzheimer s Boston, MA September 2015

55 Additional steps Started city s first memory café in Roxbury June 21 st, 2016 In partnership with the Alzheimer s Association, complete remaining Fire & Police First Responder Training Complete Lunch & Learn sessions Safe Walking campaign in partnership with Walk Boston & city departments Parks & Recreation partnership involving older adults, including those with dementia, in design of new parks

56 Memory Café at Grove Hall

57 Alignment with Age-Friendly Our website includes sector guides, provider tools, a community toolkit and other guidance for communities working towards becoming dementia friendly. 57

58 Age-Friendly Boston action plan Specific dementia-friendly action items include: o Convene a group to explore current processes for intervention for people with dementia who have wandering behaviors. o Deliver training to Public Housing Staff in the City of Boston o Developed a training for city hall staff to ensure staff effectively with people with dementia and their caregivers and provide services that are person and family centered and culturally appropriate. Teach workers how to identify possible dementia and provide appropriate referrals. o Expanded to three memory cafes in the city-east Boston, Grove Hall and Charlestown o Developing an Age and Dementia Friendly business designation

59 Age and Dementia-Friendly lens to current city of Boston planning efforts Imagine Boston 2030 (City-wide Master Plan) Go Boston 2030 Transportation Plan Vision Zero Resilient Cities initiative Boston Creates BPDA Strategic Plan Areas: South Boston, Egleston Square, Dudley Square Open Space Plan Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 Climate-Ready Boston

60 Age & Dementia-Friendly Boston is a team effort. We thank our partners, UMass Boston Gerontology Institute, Alzheimer s Association, AARP and Tufts Health Plan Foundation!

61 Contact information: Andrea Burns, Director, Age-Friendly Boston The Elderly Commission, Room 271 One City Hall Square, Boston, MA Patricia McCormack, Director, Mayor s Alzheimer s Initiative The Elderly Commission, Room 271 One City Hall Square, Boston, MA patricia.mccormack@boston.gov

62 WELCOME Presented by Scott M. Trenti, CEO, SeniorCare Inc.

63 Laying the Groundwork for an Age & Dementia Friendly Cape Ann (Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester by the Sea) A Beginning Chapter in The Never Ending Story

64 Research & Training Data Sources Board & Agency Commitment Community Outreach Professional Outreach Government Outreach Moving Forward

65 Research & Training 2016 N4A Conference in San Diego Webinars, Presentations, Conferences Literature Review AARP / WHO / Dementia Friendly America & MA MA Healthy Aging Collaborative Tufts Conference on Age Friendly Communities Tufts Information Session Age Friendly Communities 2017 MA Council On Aging Conference

66 Data Sources 2010 Census American Community Survey ( ) MA Healthy Aging Collaborative Community Profiles Datausa.io UMass Donahue Institute SeniorCare Area Agency On Aging Area Plan Lahey Health Community Needs Assessment Action Inc. Community Needs Assessment

67 Board & Agency Commitment Senior Management Team Strategic Plan Retreats Board of Directors & Senior Management Team Strategic Plan Retreats 3 Year 2017 Strategic Plan Approved by Board including Age/Dementia Friendly goals Advisory Board & Board of Directors Approved Area Plan including Age/Dementia Friendly Goals Discussion & Updates at Monthly All Staff Meetings

68 Community Outreach Comprehensive Marketing Strategy Highlights SeniorCare show Living Wisely, Aging Well on Cape Ann TV Newspaper Article, Social Media, Blasts ADFCA Webpage Distribution of Age & Dementia Friendly Materials Presentations to Civic Organizations Harvard Vanguard/Atrius Annual Health Fair Outreach to 350+ SeniorCare RSVP Volunteers Elders, Adults with Disabilities & Caregivers Age & Dementia Friendly Community Forums: Rockport Gloucester Essex Manchester By The Sea

69 Professional Outreach Lahey Health (Beverly & Addison Gilbert Hospitals) Dementia Friendly Massachusetts MA Healthy Aging Collaborative University of Massachusetts Boston Gerontology Institute Gloucester School Superintendent AARP MA In Motion Cape Ann Cape Ann Caucus Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Independent Living Center of the North Shore & Cape Ann Greater Boston and Northeast Alzheimer's Association 9 COA's for COA Appreciation Event & Cape Ann COA Directors Housing Authorities Veteran VSO's & Providers Fallonhealth Adult Foster Care of the North Shore The Open Door Food Pantry "Get Outdoors" Program

70 Government Outreach Senator Bruce Tarr Representative Brad Hill Aide to Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante Mayor of Gloucester Rockport Town Administrator Manchester By The Sea Town Administrator Essex Town Administrator Presentations at Town Selectman Meetings Governor s Council Listening Session

71 Moving Forward November Community Forums Community Planning Boards Lahey Health Coordination Community Trainings & Presentations Recruit Steering Committee Members Development of Interactive Website

72 Thank You Questions?