In an effort to make Sarasota County a dementia-caring community, local community stakeholders have partnered with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in a state-wide initiative: The Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (DCCI). The Sarasota County DCCI Task Force has announced a new free program to make businesses and organizations officially Dementia-Caring. The DCCI task force is focusing on raising awareness by providing a free educational module on dementia sensitivity. Participating organizations will gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias that can provide a welcoming, respectful environment as well as learn about local resources to assist persons living with dementia and their caregivers and family members. Businesses and organizations that complete the module will receive a DCCI decal to display. With this decal, families and individuals affected by dementia will be able to easily identify businesses and other community entities that are trained on inclusive and interactive techniques. A kickoff event at 1888 Brother Geenen Way on October 18 at 3pm is open to all interested parties. For more information contact Christine Didion at didionc@elderaffairs.org

Dementia Care and Cure Initiative