$1.17 million endowment secured by IU Health Foundation will bring dementia services to many people with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners in the middle south Indiana, an area with more seniors than the state average.
The grant, from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), supports the expansion of the Rural Dementia Network of South Central Indiana (RDN) to Jackson and Martin counties and strengthens the RDN’s current service in Lawrence and Orange counties.
“As the population continues to age, it is important that we show compassion for people with dementia and increase support for those who care for them,” said Cassandra Tice, Chief Financial Officer Support from the IU Health Organization said. “We are grateful to HRSA for supporting RDN and more and more people can benefit from their services.”
The new funding will:
- Support the new co-director of RDN
- Attract new community partners to RDN
- Adds a “Brain Health” initiative in all four counties to educate participants about the signs of cognitive decline and how to maintain the five pillars of brain health
- Establish a monthly “Memory Clinic” where people with newly diagnosed PLWD and their caregivers will meet with an educator about their diagnosis to discuss next steps and resources
- Facilitating classes and annual conferences to educate community members and local businesses on how to support PLWD and their care partners and create a more dementia-friendly environment miss
- Develop partnerships with public and private partners to maintain RDN and RDN services beyond the funding period.
To support the “Dementia Friendly Communities” model, a nationally recognized approach, this grant will also expand existing RDN services:
- Educating the community to raise awareness about brain health and combat the stigma associated with cognitive decline
- Professional training for hospitals, long-term care and other health care workers in “Dementia Friendly” care practices
- Train certified nursing assistants and home health aides through the Dementia Friendly Care Partner Development Program
- Alliance building, including leading local “Dementia Friendly Communities” efforts
- Care partner support groups, transport support, and respite support.
To support the healthcare priorities that are important to your department in Indiana, contact the IU Health Foundation’s regional philanthropic directors.
