The city of North Ridgeville is now recognized by Dementia Friendly America® as a Dementia-Friendly Community.
In gaining this recognition, North Ridgeville joins communities across the United States in embarking on the Dementia-Friendly process set forth by Dementia Friendly America (DFA). DFA is a national network of communities, organizations and individuals seeking to ensure communities are equipped to support people living with dementia as well as their care partners. Its mission is to increase dementia awareness, reduce stigma and provide quality resources, education and support that fosters the creation of communities where people living with dementia can thrive.
North Ridgeville is one of only seven Dementia-Friendly Communities in Ohio and the only community in Lorain County so recognized. “I am proud of the work our senior center staff has done to provide education and leadership around this issue, bring partners together and raise awareness in our community,” said Mayor Kevin Corcoran.
Communities must meet DFA’s readiness criteria before being granted this designation. By demonstrating strong cross-sector partnerships, inclusive leadership, a champion organization and commitments to dementia-friendly practices, goals and progress tracking, North Ridgeville successfully earned the title “Dementia-Friendly.”
Emily Lockshine, Administrator of North Ridgeville’s Office for Older Adults, was part of the team that led the effort to gain the designation, alongside Carole Klinger, Founder and CEO of LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation, and resident Terri Lanham. “I’m looking forward to actively engaging the community in this effort and increasing public awareness of resources available to families facing the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia,” said Lockshine.
City officials will be presented with a recognition certificate of North Ridgeville’s Dementia-Friendly Community designation at the Council meeting of June 3.