At a decal presentation and recognition event, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) announced that the Cape Coral Police Department is the first law enforcement entity in Lee County to complete training to become Dementia Caring.

To make Lee County a Dementia-Caring Community, local stakeholders – led by Lee Memory Care and the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida –joined DOEA’s statewide Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (DCCI) as the City of Fort Myers and Lee County Task Force. DCCI aims to create a more dementia-caring state where those living with dementia, their families, loved ones, and caregivers are supported within their communities and have access to help and local resources.

It is estimated that nearly 23,000 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia – are living in Lee County. The Fort Myers DCCI Task Force is focusing on raising awareness by providing free educational sessions on dementia sensitivity. Participating organizations will gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD); how to provide a welcoming, respectful, and hospitable environment for those living with dementia; and how to connect with local resources to assist those living with dementia, along with their families and care partners.

After completing the training, participating businesses or community organizations will receive a DCCI decal for public display that recognizes them as Dementia Caring. With this decal, families and individuals affected by dementia will be able to easily identify community entities that are trained on inclusive and interactive techniques sensitive to those living with dementia.