Fall 2020
Dementia Friendly Massachusetts is an initiative of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and a member of Dementia Friendly America. This state-wide grassroots movement, generously supported by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation, comprised of organizations, individuals, and municipalities growing dementia friendly communities.
The goal of DFM is to increase the number of municipalities around the Commonwealth that commit to supporting those living with dementia, their families, and care partners, by signing the DFM pledge. To help communities to become dementia-friendly, DFM offers educational and networking events, access to online resources, and guidance from the DFM project manager. Congratulations to all of the DFM communities that were recognized by Secretary Elizabeth Chen at the recent MCOA Conference.
November is National Family Caregiver month
Resources for Caregivers
According to the Alzheimer's Association, caregivers provide an estimated 18.6 billion hours of care and support a year, valued at $244 billion. The Alzheimer's Association New England chapters have developed resources to support caregivers and those with Alzheimer's, dementia face the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis. They created tip sheets, virtual education programs and support groups, and a new series called "Caring Conversations" - To help you and your loved one during this difficult time.
Significant efforts are underway to find effective treatments and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. But for the millions of people living with these diseases today, there is an immediate urgent need to find effective ways to improve access to dementia care and support.
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Telehealth uses video calling and other technologies to support patients and their caregivers at home. This is one promising way to help ensure people have access to much-needed care and education. Using a computer, tablet, or phone, patients and their families can have a remote appointment with a doctor or join an online health education program to learn about how to improve well-being and quality of life. Wearable devices to track changes that could signal a health or safety problem, such as mobility and balance, may be another aspect of telehealth.
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
-Check out the Options Counseling program-
Options Counseling is a free service. It can help an older person, an adult of any age with a disability, their family members, or caregivers make decisions on supportive services if they don’t know where to turn. Finding help with personal care, household chores, transportation, nutrition or medication management, can be challenging.
Dementia caregiver toolbox ideas
Great Suggestions to support Caregivers!

  • Helpful Tips for Dementia Caregivers
  • "Safe Return" form
  • Local Memory Cafe locations both virtual and in house
  • Home Safety checklist
  • Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900 (Call to order free cards)
  • Local Support Group Information
  • 101 Things to do with a person who has Alzheimer's info sheet
  • File of Life
  • Yellow Dot Emergency Kit for your vehicle
  • Free copy of an "Easy to Read Book" from Memory Cafe Lending Library
  • Memory Activity Book
  • Stress Ball
  • List of books to borrow a Memory Cafe Lending Library
  • Information on Alzheimer's & Dementia Family Counseling
Imagine still being able to read, but now all of the print around you is unreadable. This is the way many older adults are living. Reading2connect offers specially designed books to help break through the barriers to reading, sparking older adults' abilities to reflect, remember, learn, and to express themselves... to wander out of their body space. Check out Reading2connect for more information.
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It’s the little things:
A Community Resource for Strengthening Social Connections
AARP MA, UMass Boston Gerontology Institute and the Massachusetts Task Force to End Loneliness & Build Community developed a valuable resource offering communities and older residents of the Commonwealth practical resources and ideas for building connections in their communities. Check out new ideas for building connections among neighbors, families, and friends, and insights to strengthen existing opportunities for ALL residents to participate and be engaged.
Thank you to the Tufts Health Plan Foundation
for their generous support!