RICHMOND, IN: LifeStream Services is proud to announce First Bank Richmond as the first Dementia Friendly organization in Wayne County. Staff at all eight First Bank locations have been trained and educated on how to make people living with dementia and their caregivers remain included, accepted, and connected with their community.
Dementia affects memory, thinking, and social abilities that severely interfere with daily life. The number of Indiana residents and people worldwide affected by dementia increases every day. According to the World Health Organization, there are 10 million new cases of dementia every year. Therefore, it is increasingly important for our communities to better understand dementia and better accommodate the challenges of those affected by the disease.
Courtney Evans, AVP Regional Branch Administration and the leader behind the Dementia Friends efforts at First Bank, explained why First Bank became involved with this initiative:
“It is staggering to see the statistics for the number of people living with dementia. While becoming a Dementia Friend, it became apparent to me that banking could potentially be a pain point for these individuals and their caregivers. Working in an industry that was an essential part of living, I wanted to find ways I could make the life of a person living with dementia less overwhelming and more enjoyable.”
LifeStream is East Central Indiana’s Dementia Friends Administrator. Learn more about the movement or become a Dementia Friend online by visiting lifestreaminc.org/dementiafriends or contact Beth Evans, Director of Community Services, at bevans@lifestreaminc.org or 765-405-3001.
Dementia Friends Indiana initiative is an outreach of Dementia Friendly America. The initiative seeks to educate communities about dementia, break down the stigma surrounding dementia, and implement practical changes that make life easier to navigate for those with dementia and for their loved ones.