What is a Dementia-Friendly Community?
A dementia-friendly community is one in which people with dementia and their caretakers are empowered and feel confident, knowing they can contribute and participate in activities that are meaningful to them.
B.E,S.T is raising awareness in the Round Lake Area in order to help those with Dementia and their caretakers feel comfortable that police, fire, libraries, restaurants, banks, stores, etc. have an understanding of dementia and easy strategies that make the Round Lake Area a safe place to them to navigate. 
People with dementia find that the biggest barriers to doing the things that they used to do were:
  • a lack of confidence
  • being worried about becoming confused
  • fear of getting lost
  • mobility difficulties and physical health issues               
  • not wanting to be a burden to others ​

     Key Areas of Focus     
  • Challenge stigma and increase awareness and understanding of dementia
  • Education for businesses and services.  
  • Consistent and reliable travel options. 
  • Easy-to-navigate environments.  
  • Accessible community activities. 
  • ​Involve people with dementia.  .
  • Alzheimer’s Society 2013. alzheimers.org.uk/dementiafriendlycommunities
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​   Dementia: The Numbers 
  • Worldwide: approximately 44 million people have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia
  • United States: 5.3 million (Alz)
  •  Illinois: 210,000 (Alz)
  • Lake County: ~12,000 (estimated Alz)
  • Avon Township: o~ 500 age 65 or over
Alzheimer’s Assoc., 2015; Alzheimer’s Disease Int’l, 2015 Christine Damon, Care Smart
If you are interested in more information or would like to join our committee, please go to the contact us tab and we will be in touch with you.
We are Excited to let everyone know that the Dementia Friendly Community Committee received a $5000.00 grant from Avon Township to help us in creating a Dementia Friendly Community in the Round Lake Area. Thank you so much to the Avon Township.