Benchmark at Orchard Valley Partnering with Local Organizations & Individuals to Launch Dementia-Friendly Wilbraham Initiative
Individuals Encouraged to Attend Launch Event on September 27 & Join Nationwide Effort to Make Cities and Towns Friendlier Places for Those with Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Benchmark at Orchard Valley, a Benchmark assisted living and Mind & Memory Care community, today announced they are joining forces with several local organizations and individuals who serve seniors to make Wilbraham an easier place for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia to live. Through a series of events, the first on September 27, the goal of the project is to help the local community better understand and relate to those with dementia.
“Living in a true community means supporting one another regardless of who each person is or what their diagnosis may be,” said Emily Perkins, executive director of Orchard Valley. “With dementia impacting more and more people and at younger ages, there are many people living among us who are affected. We want to make Wilbraham a better place for everyone to live and are excited to embark on this initiative.”
Overseen by The Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts and New Hampshire chapter, Orchard Valley, The Wilbraham Council on Aging, the East of the River (ERC5) Chamber of Commerce, Country Bank, Life Care Centers, JGS Lifecare and Katie Krupka, Certified Case Manager and Gerontologist, have put together a year of events designed to educate the public.
“Country Bank is proud to support the initiative to make Wilbraham a Dementia Friendly Community. Being able to provide the very best service to all of our customers is imperative and this is one more way we can do just that. Making a difference for those who need it is always at the forefront for us at Country Bank,” said Tracey Perry, assistant vice president & retail banking officer.
The free September 27 kick-off event will run from 4-6 PM at the Country Club of Wilbraham (859 Stony Hill Road). In addition to discussing the goals and plans for the project, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Dementia Live, understanding first-hand what it’s like to live with dementia, chat with Alzheimer’s and dementia experts and learn what they can do to support the initiative.
Speakers will include Patty Sullivan, program director, for Dementia Friendly Massachusetts, Becky Basch, senior planner for The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and Meghan Lemay, regional manager for the Alzheimer’s Association.
To register for the kick-off event, contact Orchard Valley at (413) 596-0006.
Benchmark at Orchard Valley
