Together, We Can Make a Difference.

A Dementia Friend is someone who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia through increased awareness and support.

Even small changes can help support people living with dementia to remain included, accepted and connected with their community.

Get Resources to Shine a Light on Dementia

FRIENDS IN INDIANA

DEMENTIA
FRIENDS
IN INDIANA

How To Become a Friend

To become a Dementia Friend, you can attend a live info session led by a Dementia Champion, either virtual or in person.

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What to expect

Become a Dementia Friend Virtually

After you register for a virtual session, you will receive an email with instructions to access the Zoom meeting, which you can do on any computer, phone or tablet connected to the Internet. For in-person sessions, please follow the host location’s safety guidelines. A Dementia Champion will host the meeting. The session is interactive, so you can share stories, ask questions, and learn together.

Our Mission

The Dementia Friends Indiana movement seeks to advance education and awareness of dementia, reduce the stigma associated with the disease, and create community environments that are welcoming and conducive for those living with dementia.

Helping a Friend with Dementia

From a Friend

“This has been one of the highlights of my professional career and even in my personal life. It’s been amazing to see our staff embrace this initiative and be more empathetic and caring to this patient population.”

-Tai Oliver, IU Health Saxony Hospital Clinical Manager

Dementia Caregiver Spouse

To a Friend

“The Memory Café gives [my husband] J.P. a new place to repeat his one-liners, laugh and interact in a safe, friendly environment. I’m a very social person too, so cutting me off from that is hard. This feeds my soul.”

-Sharon Kleinhelter, spouse and caregiver

Helping a Friend with Dementia

From a Friend

“Being involved as a Dementia Friend and Champion comes from a personal place as I have watched family and friends touched by this devastating disease. To be able to reach out to families and friends with my therapy dog Hazel is tremendously rewarding and therapeutic for all.”

-Rosemary Marburger, Dementia Champion

Helping a Friend with Dementia

To a Friend

“Even though I lived through dementia through the eyes of my BFF, there were still so many enlightening points and helpful hints to help us help them. That is what we can never learn enough of. The greater percentage of all of us will be faced with this situation in our lifetime.”

-Carolyn May, Dementia Friend

Get Involved

become a friend
become a champion