The UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center is proud to lead the Dementia Friends program in Washington State on behalf of the Dementia Action Collaborative.
About Dementia Friends
Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, Dementia Friends helps communities across the world understand what dementia is and how it affects people. Everyone can make a difference for people touched by dementia.
Dementia Friends Washington partners with organizations that take the lead in their county or tribe. Currently operating in 20 counties, Dementia Friends is focused on expanding across Washington State.
Seattle Public Library all staff Dementia Friends training 2023
How It Works
Dementia Friends relies on volunteer engagement of regional lead organizations who take the lead in their county or tribe. Regional lead organizations recruit Dementia Friends Champions, or individuals who have a committed interest in sharing about dementia with others by offering a Dementia Friends presentation in their community. Those who attend this presentation become Dementia Friends.
Learn more about the Dementia Friends WA model with this infographic!
Key Takeaways:
- Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
- Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain.
- Dementia is not just about having memory problems.
- It is possible to have a good quality of life with dementia.
- There’s more to the person than the dementia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dementia Friends Clark County
What does it mean to be a Dementia Friend?
You are a Dementia Friend after you attend an in-person or virtual Dementia Friends Information Session. At the information session, you learn more about five key messages about dementia so that you can share with others. We invite you to commit to a small action step to support people living with dementia in your community - such as being more patient, taking a meal to a caregiver, or driving a friend to a doctor’s appointment.
Who can be a Dementia Friend?
Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. We need everyone to be part of supporting people in our communities living with dementia.
How do I become a Dementia Friend?
Attend an information session either in-person or online. To find an upcoming session in your area, contact the lead in your county from the list at the bottom of this page!
What is a Dementia Friends Champion?
A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who helps spread the word about how others can make a positive difference to people living with dementia by giving a Dementia Friends presentation to groups of interested individuals in their community, either online or in person.
How do I become a Dementia Friends Champion?
It’s easy! Dementia Friends Champions are asked to attend a training to learn about the presentation and what resources help facilitate an effective session. We are here to help. If you are interested in learning more, email the contact for your county, in the list at the bottom of this page. If you're county isn't listed, you're welcome to complete this Champion training interest form or contact Marigrace Becker at mbecker1@uw.edu.
What’s the difference between a Dementia Friend and a Dementia Friends Champion?
Learn more about the path to be a Dementia Friend or Champion. Click to enlarge.
Anyone who attends a Dementia Friends session becomes a Dementia Friend. Some Dementia Friends are interested in participating further and decide to become trained as a Dementia Friends Champion. Once a Dementia Friends Champion, you can give Dementia Friends presentations to others in your community.
What if the Dementia Friends program isn't yet available in my county?
We’re excited to expand the Dementia Friends program throughout Washington State. We do so by partnering with organizations that take the lead offering the Dementia Friends program in their county or tribe. Common organizations in this role include Area Agencies on Aging, other aging or dementia-related non-profits, health care or community service organizations. You can bring the Dementia Friends program to your region by encouraging a local organization to take the lead - we’ll provide training and help them every step of the way. Contact Marigrace at mbecker1@uw.edu for more information.
Contact Person by County
| County | Contact | Organization | Phone | |
| Asotin | Kelsey Ehlers | SE WA Aging and Long Term Care | kelsey.ehlers@dshs.wa.gov | 509-965-0105 EXT. 1114 |
| Benton | Kelsey Ehlers | SE WA Aging and Long Term Care | kelsey.ehlers@dshs.wa.gov | 509-965-0105 EXT. 1114 |
| Clark | Chasity Charette | Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW WA | chasity.charette@dshs.wa.gov | 360-735-5753 |
| Columbia | Kelsey Ehlers | SE WA Aging and Long Term Care | kelsey.ehlers@dshs.wa.gov | 509-965-0105 ext.1114 |
| Ferry | Jenni Jones and Tara Hill Matthews | Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern WA |
509-458-2509 ext.335 509-458-2509 ext.329 |
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| Franklin | Kelsey Ehlers | SE WA Aging and Long Term Care | kelsey.ehlers@dshs.wa.gov | 509-965-0105 ext.1114 |
| Garfield | Kelsey Ehlers | SE WA Aging and Long Term Care | kelsey.ehlers@dshs.wa.gov | 509-965-0105 ext.1114 |
| Island | Leslie Jackson | Dementia Support Northwest | alz@alzsociety.org | 360.671.3316 |
| King | Marigrace Becker | UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center | mbecker1@uw.edu | 206-543-2440 |
| Kittitas | Kelsey Ehlers | SE WA Aging and Long Term Care | kelsey.ehlers@dshs.wa.gov | 509-965-0105 ext.1114 |
| Pend Orielle | Jenni Jones and Tara Hill Matthews | Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern WA |
509-458-2509 ext.335 509-458-2509 ext.329 |
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| Pierce | Wendy Morris | Celebrate Seniority | wendy.morris2@multicare.org | 253-697-3005 |
| San Juan | Leslie Jackson | Dementia Support Northwest | alz@alzsociety.org | 360.671.3316 |
| Skagit | Leslie Jackson | Dementia Support Northwest | alz@alzsociety.org | 360.671.3316 |
| Spokane | Jenni Jones and Tara Hill Matthews | Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern WA |
509-458-2509 ext.335 509-458-2509 ext.329 |
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| Stevens | Jenni Jones and Tara Hill Matthews | Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern WA |
509-458-2509 ext.335 509-458-2509 ext.329 |
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| Walla Walla | Kelsey Ehlers | SE WA Aging and Long Term Care | kelsey.ehlers@dshs.wa.gov | 509-965-0105 ext.1114 |
| Whatcom | Leslie Jackson | Dementia Support Northwest | alz@alzsociety.org | 360.671.3316 |
| Whitman | Jenni Jones and Tara Hill Matthews | Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern WA |
509-458-2509 ext.335 509-458-2509 ext.329 |
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| Yakima | Kelsey Ehlers | SE WA Aging and Long Term Care | kelsey.ehlers@dshs.wa.gov | 509-965-0105 ext.1114 |
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