Richmond is receiving $25,000 from the B.C. government to develop a dementia-friendly action plan as part of a provincial age-friendly communities grant program.
The dementia-friendly community plan will help those living with dementia as well as their families and caregivers to feel supported and connected within Richmond.
In 2015, Richmond was recognized as an “age-friendly community” by the province for its efforts to make the community more accessible and inclusive for older adults.
"Seniors spent their lives building our communities - it's important that they are included in them as they age," said Health Minister Adrian Dix in a press release. "When we make communities age friendly, we make them more accessible for everyone."
Now, the provincial funds will help Richmond create additional tools and resources to help individuals living with dementia to age independently, safely and with a feeling of belonging and inclusion.
According to a report when city staff proposed applying for this funding last fall, the number of people living with dementia in Richmond increased from 955 in 2005/2006 to 1657 in 2014/2015. Alzheimer’s Society of BC will support Richmond’s project through training, education and tools at no cost to frontline staff.
Powell River, Sechelt and West Vancouver also received age-friendly provincial grants from the province.
