HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-23 Public Comment - C. Bartholemew - Bozeman Equity and Inclusion Plan DraftFrom:Cheryl Bartholomew
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman Equity and Inclusion Plan Draft
Date:Sunday, December 3, 2023 11:35:43 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender
and know the content is safe.
I would like to suggest an addition to the Bozeman Equity and Inclusion Plan Draft. While childcare and youthprograms are addressed in this plan, the fact is that we are facing a national and world wide health crisis withregard to aging Baby Boomers ( the Silver Tsunami) and the extreme rise in dementia especially among theolder adult population. In order to help address the challenges faced by caregivers of loved ones and to beinclusive with regard to resources for the aging population ( Health and Wellbeing) it is critical to offer AdultDay Care Centers in our community. I suggest we partner with the Alzheimer's Association and research theestablishment of such centers in the U.S. Here is one informational link:
https://www.seniorcare.com/adult-day-care/
One of the best options for community adult day care is the establishment of a Life Enrichment Center ( forpersons with early to mid stage dementia) that utilizes the Montessori method of Dr. Camron Camp to engagepersons with dementia socially, intellectually and across all dimensions of wellness. Here is some basic information about such a program:https://www.cen4ard.com/https://www.cen4ard.com/mil-credentialed-communities/
While such accredited programs are often housed in senior living communities, that is not always the case andnot necessarily the most ideal situation. Community Centers and some Montessori schools expand theirprogramming/ curriculum to include trained and certified personnel to care for infants through seniors (olderadults with dementia). As someone who has worked in and with senior living communities for 23 years, I amwell aware of their reluctance to invest in proper training due to high attrition of employees ( especially aftercovid). But this can be a community based program in partnership with an accredited Montessori School and theAlzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/adult-day-centers Medicaid covers the cost of these services for low income persons who qualify.
A Montessori LIfe Enrichment Center requires specific training in the Montessori philosophy of learning andhelps those with dementia remain engaged and better able to relate to and cope with his/ her environment asopposed to a care center that focuses more on entertainment and more passive activities.
Also lacking in our community are Memory Cafes : https://www.alz.org/wi/helping-you/early-stage-programs/memory-cafe#:~:text=Memory%20Caf%C3%A9s%20are%20a%20comfortable,attend%20and%20welcome%20to%20all.
The time is now to establish these critically important services in our community. Most of us know of someonewho is or was a victim of dementia. I strongly urge our community to develop partnerships including but notlimited to the Montana Alzheimer's Association, schools, businesses, mental health and healthcareorganizations,and federal funding for such (ACL) community based services.
https://acl.gov/grants
The upcoming proposal for an Intergenerational Bozeman Community and Recreation Center presents anamazing and much needed opportunity for our community to explore and participate in all dimensions ofwellness ( physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, occupational and environmental). It is where manyexcellent services can be based and make a huge difference in the health of residents of all ages and abilities. Community centers help create important bridges and bonds within communities. We should educate the publicabout the many benefits of the proposed Bozeman Community Center as well as funding for this project as anintegral part of ourEquity and Inclusion Plan.
Thank you for your excellent work and commitment to creating a more livable community for all ages andabilities!
Sincerely,Cheryl BartholomewAge Friendly Bozeman Seniors 'N Sync, LLC