by Katie Zeitler
Michael Hendrick, Kittitas County
I got involved due to personal experience. My mother didn't know who I was for the last eight and a half years she lived. My best friend died with dementia and he was only 67 years old. Doctors gave me an 18-month 'death sentence' when I had cancer. A very strong course of radiation and chemo helped me but each of them caused cognitive difficulties I still deal with 24 years later. We all have a responsibility to help others and make the world better, even if only a little.
I've had moments where I made a difference but not as far as raising awareness. Any triumph I had involved getting my mother to react when nobody else could. I'm happy that the time I spent with her taught me a few lessons I can pass on to others. I only started about six months ago and have learned a lot but am still mostly in the 'outreach' phase.
“Michael has been wonderful help since he has started with Dementia Friends Program. As I continuously work with him, he has brought on board a lot of enthusiasm which leads to great awareness for the Kittitas County. Thank you Michael for your efforts for this program to help our communities become more dementia-friendly.” -Johnica Castro, Southwest Washington Aging and Long Term Care
Jenny Roben, King County
Through my professional experience as a social worker working with older adults and their families, and the daughter of someone living with dementia, I have come to realize the importance of awareness, education and advocacy. Being a Dementia Friends Champion provides me with the opportunity to share information about dementia with others and be a part of the movement to de-stigmatize the condition by building dementia friendly communities!
When I stopped at a few locations in my neighborhood, including our local branch of the Seattle Public Library, to drop off flyers about Dementia Friends, everyone I talked to was genuinely interested in the movement and had a personal story to share. The interest and enthusiasm for wanting to learn more about dementia and share experiences reinforced for me the importance of raising awareness about dementia and creating a safe space for others to learn and commit to making a difference in the lives of those living with dementia.
Anne Freeman, Spokane County
“During an internship with Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, I learned about Dementia Friends. As a caregiver for senior adults and degrees in education and sociology, this project was a perfect fit. After completing a certificate of gerontology, I continued with Spokane Regional Dementia Friends to build a supportive community through sharing information and raising awareness.
My internship was during Covid when many public services were closed. The Spokane County Libraries were offering activity kits for families with kids to pick up at local branches. I asked if I could design one around Grandparent’s day and along with the crafts and games, include suggested children’s books and information about dementia and resources. They copied my design and created 200 kits to be distributed to the community.”
Yiting Tan, King County
I’ve seen individuals and families who are impacted by dementia in the community seeking support, which makes me want to be one of the people who can support them. To me, the role of Dementia Friends Champion is about turning awareness into action, such as helping to create an inclusive environment, and not making them feel they are exclusive to the community.
Hosting a Dementia Friend Information Session in Chinese at the Memory Hub gives Chinese-speaking elders a better understanding of Dementia was a memorable moment. After attending the information session, they better understand how to communicate with people who have dementia and how to support them.
Sheri Standley, Island County
During my time as a volunteer coordinator for EvergreenHealth Hospice, I witnessed many volunteers’ apprehension and struggles when spending time with people living with dementia. My mom had dementia so I also have had personal experience with the many challenges she and my family went faced, the decision-making processes, the timing of those decisions, not to mention the emotions that came with the journey we were on. When I saw an announcement for a Dementia Friends Information Session which included information on becoming a Champion, I was excited about the possibility that I could support the people in my new community of Camano Island in a meaningful way.
The positive reaction of my friends after doing a practice session with them, as well as witnessing the insight the information has given them in order to more effectively abnd less stressfully communicate with their family member who is living with dementia.
