Become a Dementia Friend Today 

The Live Well Springfield Age & Dementia Friendly Coalition in collaboration with the Springfield Dementia Friendly Coalition is offering a free Dementia Friendly Training, January 15th, from 11:00 AM to 1: 00 PM at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Office, located at 60 Congress Street, Springfield MA 01104. This training is open to community partners, health care professionals, and Age & Dementia Friendly advocates in the Greater Springfield area.

Dementia Friends is a global movement to change the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. This presentation is an interactive session that teaches participants what dementia is, how it affects people, and how friends and family can stay connected with the people in our lives who are living with dementia. With knowledge and awareness, each of us can help our communities become safer and more welcoming.

Our presenter for this training is Beth Soltzberg, MSW, MBA. Beth directs the Alzheimer’s/Related Disorders Family Support Program at Jewish Family & Children’s Service in Waltham, Massachusetts. Beth leads the Dementia Friends Massachusetts public awareness program, and is part of the statewide leadership team promoting dementia friendly community initiatives. Beth founded and coordinates the Percolator Memory Café Network, a resource for those starting and sustaining memory cafés across Massachusetts. Beth also facilitates the JF&CS Memory Café and a support group for adults whose parent lives with dementia. Beth earned her MSW and MBA from the University of Chicago and a certificate in end-of-life care from the Smith College School of Social Work. She holds an advanced credential in hospice and palliative care social work (AHPC-SW).

LWS Age & Dementia Friendly Coalition is working to build community awareness and understanding of Dementia as well as the Age-Friendly movement. The coalition also seeks to advocate for policies, systems change, and environmental change strategies that allow all residents to live, grow, and age well in the City of Springfield.