In a bid to support individuals with dementia, a town in Quebec is implementing measures to enhance daily living by providing training to local merchants, municipal staff, and emergency responders to better comprehend the condition and adjust their services accordingly. Situated approximately 100 kilometers east of Montreal, the Town of Brome Lake is striving to establish itself as an official dementia-friendly community as part of a wider initiative to aid individuals with neurocognitive disorders in maintaining their autonomy and engagement. With federal funding allocated to the Alzheimer Society of Brome-Missisquoi and Haute-Yamaska for a pilot project, efforts are underway to increase accessibility within the town, including at various establishments like libraries, gas stations, supermarkets, and eateries.
The project overseer, France Proteau, emphasized the objective of ensuring that individuals with dementia can remain active members of their communities post-diagnosis instead of withdrawing socially. Véronique Brouillette, serving as the local Alzheimer Society’s coordinator of psychosocial services and training, stressed the importance of altering perceptions about dementia, highlighting that individuals living with Alzheimer’s possess their unique personality, values, and history, with the disease being secondary in the dementia-friendly community concept.
Pauline Quinlan, whose spouse is affected by dementia, emphasized the significance of minor community adjustments that could significantly benefit individuals like her husband. Brouillette pointed out the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer’s in unfamiliar environments, such as navigating public spaces or comprehending menus, suggesting simplifying menus with images or simpler language to aid decision-making.
The Alzheimer Society plans to offer training sessions to educate individuals on recognizing and appropriately addressing the difficulties encountered by those with dementia. Beyond staff training, the organization envisions implementing clearer signage and designing public spaces in Brome Lake to enhance navigability. Several local businesses have already pledged their support for the initiative, with Jennifer Brodeur, owner of JB Skin Sävvi, advocating for treating individuals with dementia with dignity and respect, as she would expect for herself.
The town’s initiative aims to create a more informed and supportive environment for individuals with dementia, encouraging openness and understanding within the community. As Canada’s aging population increases, the efforts in Brome Lake align with broader national trends, with other cities like Calgary and Waterloo, Ont., also taking steps to become dementia-friendly. The project manager, Proteau, hopes that the success of the pilot project in Brome Lake will pave the way for similar models to be adopted in communities across Quebec, fostering a future where individuals with dementia can actively participate in daily life with empathy and reduced apprehension.