A town in Quebec is making efforts to support individuals with dementia by providing training to local businesses, municipal staff, and emergency responders to enhance their understanding of the condition and adjust their services accordingly. The Town of Brome Lake, located around 100 kilometers east of Montreal, is striving to establish itself as an official dementia-friendly community as part of a broader initiative to assist individuals with neurocognitive disorders in maintaining their independence and engagement in the community.
The Alzheimer Society of Brome-Missisquoi and Haute-Yamaska has secured funding from the federal government for a pilot project aimed at enhancing the town’s accessibility, particularly in public spaces such as libraries, gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants. The project, overseen by France Proteau, seeks to ensure that individuals with dementia can remain integrated in their communities post-diagnosis instead of facing isolation.
Véronique Brouillette, the coordinator of psychosocial services and training at the local Alzheimer Society, emphasized the importance of shifting perceptions around dementia. She highlighted the need to prioritize the individual’s personality, values, and history over the disease itself within a dementia-friendly community.
For individuals like Pauline Quinlan, whose spouse is living with dementia, even minor adjustments in the community can significantly impact their daily lives. Quinlan mentioned the increasing need for her support in various situations, such as assisting her husband in navigating everyday tasks like ordering at a restaurant.
The Alzheimer Society plans to offer training programs to educate people on identifying and addressing the challenges faced by individuals with dementia. The organization envisions extending these efforts beyond staff training to include clearer signage and better-designed public spaces in Brome Lake to facilitate easier navigation.
Local businesses, including JB Skin Sävvi owned by Jennifer Brodeur, have shown support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of treating individuals with dementia with dignity and respect. The community initiative aims to create an environment where people are well-informed about dementia and willing to provide assistance to those in need.
This initiative not only serves the current population but also prepares the town for the projected increase in individuals living with dementia. Similar initiatives have been implemented in cities like Calgary and Waterloo, Ontario, with the hope that the success of the pilot project in Brome Lake can serve as a model for other communities in Quebec. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive and understanding society where individuals with dementia can participate in daily life with support and compassion.