In an effort to support people living with dementia and their care partners by raising awareness, increasing knowledge and reducing the stigma associated with dementia, the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging has joined several other organizations to launch Dementia Friendly Lackawanna County.

Sara McDonald, director of the Lackawanna County AAA, said a dementia-friendly community is an informed, inclusive environment where people living with dementia meaningly and safely participate in everyday community life.

To that end, Dementia Friendly Lackawanna County plans to create such an environment by working with local governments, first responders, libraries, health care providers, senior centers, faith communities, restaurants, grocery stores, financial institutions and people living with dementia and their care partners. Its first goal is to create a community action team of individuals, businesses, civic organizations and other entities. Anyone interested in participating may contact Jennifer Zarcone at the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging at [email protected] or 570-963-6740, ext. 1443.

The AAA’s involvement flows from its Lackawanna County Older Adult Isolation Collaborative, which works to provide seniors with opportunities for social interaction, shared experiences and a sense of belonging. Isolation has been identified as a serious public health issue among older Americans.

Nationally, USAging oversees Dementia Friendly America. Pennsylvania, where more than 400,000 people live with Alzheimer’s disease, is among 43 states with community programs.

Other members of the Older Adult Isolation Collaborative who are participating in the Dementia-Friendly Lackawanna County project are Michael Castellano, special project manager for the United Way of Lackawanna, Way and Pike Counties; Nicole Lipinski, Wright Center Director of the Geriatric Service Line; Helen Schmid, executive director of Telespond Senior Services; and Dan Cardonick, Executive Director of the Scranton Jewish Community Center.

The local community effort is part of Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania, which supports dementia-friendly communities across the state and is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.