Downers Grove earns distinction as a dementia-friendly community
Earlier this year, Downers Grove officially earned recognition as a Dementia Friendly Community by Dementia Friendly America, a milestone that reflects a shared commitment to supporting individuals living with dementia and their family members and care partners.
Leading the initiative has been Oak Trace senior living community, which is widely respected for its expertise in aging services and its role as a trusted community resource.
Also heading up the Dementia Friendly Community Task Force are leaders from the Village of Downers Grove, Community Adult Day Center, Downers Grove Library, Good Samaritan Hospital, Brightstar Care, Senior Living Experts and Lighthouse Hospice.
Leadership and collaboration
“Being a Dementia Friendly Community allows us to better support individuals experiencing cognitive changes while also strengthening the network of agencies, organizations, care partners and local businesses who interact with them every day,” said Courtney Karl, associate executive director for Oak Trace. “We are seeing growing interest from businesses and organizations that want to better understand dementia so they can serve the community with compassion and confidence. Oak Trace is proud to be a part of that.”
Goals of a Dementia Friendly Community
The objectives of a Dementia Friendly Community include raising awareness about dementia, reducing societal stigma, and providing education while sharing best practices for communication and support.
Oak Trace as a community resource
As experts in senior living, Oak Trace recognized that launching this initiative was a natural extension of its mission. While Oak Trace is best known for its active, highly engaging independent living, it is also a Life Plan Community offering a full continuum of care. In addition to independent living, it provides assisted living, memory care, and long-term skilled care. With highly trained, credentialed, and deeply committed professionals specializing in all areas, including memory care, Oak Trace takes its responsibility to serve as a vital resource for the area seriously.
Ongoing programs and community engagement
The Downers Grove Dementia Friendly Task Force is committed to offering monthly events, ongoing educational programs, and accessible resources designed to help residents remain active and engaged. The ultimate goal is to ensure that individuals living with dementia can safely continue to participate in community life while feeling understood and valued.
Memory Cafes foster connection
A key component of the program is the development of memory cafes for individuals impacted by dementia. These monthly welcoming social gatherings create opportunities for connection, conversation, and enjoyment while helping participants build supportive relationships in a comfortable setting. There is also an educational component to each event.
Why Dementia Friendly Communities matter
The importance of the Dementia Friendly Community designation is underscored by national statistics. More than six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than eleven million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia. Communities that understand these realities are better equipped to respond with empathy, resources, and meaningful support.
Part of a national movement
Dementia Friendly America is a national program committed to fostering community support for people living with dementia and their essential care partners so they can remain engaged and connected in the places they call home. Through Oak Trace\'s leadership, Downers Grove now joins a growing network of communities dedicated to creating a more informed, inclusive, and compassionate future for all.
Oak Trace Senior Living
Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove, Illinois, is set on more than 40 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds featuring gardens, walking paths, ponds and abundant green space. As a Life Plan Community, formerly known as a CCRC, Oak Trace offers a full continuum of care: including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Oak Trace is owned by Lifespace, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 50 years of experience in senior living. To learn more about Oak Trace, visit OakTraceSeniorLiving.com.