The Chelsea Kiwanis Club heard from Kathleen Garvey, OTRL, CAPS, of the Chelsea Dementia Friendly Action Team at last Monday’s meeting. Garvey is an occupational therapist registered and licensed in the state of Michigan and a certified aging-in-place specialist. Her team works with people with dementia and their families.
Garvey explained that dementia is divided into several categories:
- 40% to 70% of cases are Alzheimer’s dementia
- 15% to 29% are vascular dementia
- 2% to 20% are Lewy body dementia
- 2% to 4% are frontotemporal dementia
- The remainder is made up of other forms of dementia.
People with dementia can face social isolation and stigma due to others’ ignorance and fear, Garvey said. They may lack daily meaning and purpose, and while they may still feel independent, they often need supportive environments and opportunities to learn and use new skills.
Garvey shared additional figures on the population living with dementia: 2% to 3% of the population has dementia, and among those with dementia, 21.7% are ages 80 to 89 and 47.5% are over 90. One in 20 people with dementia is under 65. About 80% live out in the community, and one in four live on their own.
Garvey outlined best practices for interacting with people with dementia:
- Recognize and include them to help destigmatize the condition
- Notice when they may need help and offer it
- Use visual cues such as smiles, signs, and pictures, since about 70% of information is processed visually
- Speak directly to the person
- Be flexible and extend grace.
The Chelsea Dementia Friendly Action Team is part of Dementia Friendly America and works to raise community awareness of dementia and those who care for people with the condition. Current initiatives include free training for businesses and organizations, educational presentations, promoting community resources, and pursuing grant funding.
To contact Kathleen Garvey about service-provider training, professional workshops, or dementia support services, visit her website at sustain-hability.com
