Dementia Friendly Massachusetts (DFM) is a grassroots movement to make communities safe, inclusive, and respectful for persons living with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related dementia. DFM is an initiative of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and Dementia Friendly America.
The Cape Ann communities of Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Gloucester were formally recognized as Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Communities at the MCOA Annual Meeting in October, 2019. Marylou Sudders, Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services and Elizabeth Chen, Massachusetts Secretary of Executive Office of Elder Affairs presented the certificates and offered their perspectives on aging and dementia.
More than 150 towns and cities across the Commonwealth are moving forward to make their communities a more welcoming place for people living with dementia as well as their loved ones and care partners. Currently, only 21 communities in Massachusetts that have earned the recognition as a Dementia Friendly Community.
To learn more about Dementia Friendly go to www.dfmassachusetts.org.
