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, the Dementia Friends initiative is underway in Virginia.
About Dementia Friends Virginia
What is a Dementia Friend?
To become a Dementia Friend, you participate in a Dementia Friends Information Session presented by a Dementia Friends Champion. You will learn five key messages about dementia and a bit about what it's like to live with dementia. As a Dementia Friend you turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. Your action can be big or small - because every action counts!
What Happens at a Info Session?
The one-hour Information Session is an in-person experience run by a Dementia Friends Champion.
It is not a formal training. The session has activities and discussion that cover the five key messages everyone should know about dementia. Everyone who attends is asked to do a dementia-friendly action as part of becoming a Dementia Friend, but the choice is yours.
Who are Champions?
Champions are equip with the knowledge and activities needed to facilitate a Dementia Friends Information Session with friends, family, colleagues and the wider community.
Our Growth
Making Friends Since
2018
No. Dementia Friends
9,062
No. Dementia Friends Champions
741
Find a Session
During the interactive session, you will increase your understanding of dementia, and think about the small things that you can do to make a difference for people living with dementia in your community.
Information Sessions are available for all ages
Dementia Friends Session
- More information forthcoming
Champions Session
- More information forthcoming
Initiative Co-Leads
LeadingAge Virginia is the sublicensee for Dementia Friendly Virginia and Dementia Friends Virginia. Along with LeadingAge Virginia, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services are the co-leads for the initiatives in Virginia
Melissa Andrews & Paula Ropelewski, LeadingAge Virginia
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Regional Partner
These selected individuals from around the state have been trained to provide Champion trainings either in-person or virtually to those persons interested in the Dementia Friends initiative.
- Joyce Nussbaum (Waynesboro)
- Kathy Guisewite (Harrisonburg)
- Travis Greenman (Williamsburg)
- Martha Stokes (Richmond)
- Mary Arthur (Middle Peninsula)
- Gelareh Bassiry (Arlington/Alexandria)
- Caitlin Stauffer (Arlington/Alexandria)
- Carrie Davis (Mechanicsville)
- Tara Beatty (Mechanicsville)
- Michael Perrotta (Mechanicsville)
- Jennifer Denk (Fairfax/Sterling)
- Stephanie Stevens (Mechanicsville)
- Kristin Olson (Norfolk)
Contact with Us
If you have questions, please contact Paula Ropelewski, Director, Education & Engagement, LeadingAge Virginia, at 804.925.2665 or paula@leadingagevirginia.org.
If you are a member of the media, please contact:
Abby Buford
Commonwealth PR
abby@commonwealth-pr.com
