Submitted photo
Members of the Dementia-Friendly Mifflin-Juniata Community Action Team — including Area Agency on Aging Director Chelsea Reed, Juniata Valley YMCA Executive Director Victoria Searer and Valley View Retirement Community Executive Director of Memory Services and Community Impact Geli Losch — meet with community members during a recent Dementia Friends information session at the Juniata Valley YMCA.

From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — Community leaders from across Mifflin and Juniata counties are working together to create a more dementia-friendly region through a new local initiative focused on education, awareness and support services.

The effort, known as Dementia Friendly Mifflin-Juniata, brings together representatives from businesses, health care organizations, recreational facilities and community groups to identify ways local communities can better support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Organizers said the community action team includes professionals from sectors such as banking, health care, recreation and the chamber of commerce.

“A dementia-friendly community is one that supports people living with dementia and those who love them — reducing stigma, creating moments of connection, and ensuring everyone feels safe, respected and included,” said Geli Losch, executive director of memory services and community impact at Valley View Retirement Community and a co-lead for the initiative.

“When we learn more, we do better,” Losch added.

Chelsea Reed, director of the Area Agency on Aging at MJRSC-The Care Network and co-lead for the project, said organizers hope to create long-term community partnerships across both counties.

“By working together and sharing responsibility, we can make meaningful, lasting change,” Reed said.

Throughout the remainder of the year, organizers plan to engage residents and community organizations to identify strengths, gaps and priorities related to dementia support and education.

Goals for the initiative include expanding resources for people living with dementia and their caregivers while increasing awareness among businesses and emergency responders who regularly interact with residents experiencing memory loss.

The local initiative is part of Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania, a statewide network focused on improving quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their families.

As part of the outreach effort, organizers will host free Dementia Friends informational sessions designed to help residents better understand dementia and learn how to support individuals experiencing memory loss.

The next session is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 27 at Valley View Retirement Community.

The organization will also host Memory Cafés on the last Tuesday of each month during the summer, including June 30, July 28 and Aug. 25. The gatherings are intended to provide a welcoming environment for individuals living with dementia, along with caregivers, family members and friends.

The first Memory Café will be held at the Juniata Valley YMCA, with future locations to be announced.

Residents interested in attending a session or Memory Café can RSVP through Valley View Retirement Community.