Henrico retirement community certified as county’s first dementia-friendly business

LeadingAge Virginia, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services in the Commonwealth, has recognized Cedarfield as the first Dementia Friendly Business in Henrico County.

Cedarfield is a retirement and “life plan” community that opened its doors in Henrico’s West End in 1996.

• In order to receive the Dementia Friendly Business designation, Cedarfield confirmed that:
• Dementia Friends information sessions will be included for all new team member hires.
• 50 percent of all community members – residents and team members – will become Dementia Friends while working toward a goal of 90 percent.
• Board members, volunteers, and management team members will be Dementia Friends.
• Dementia Friends information sessions and additional educational offerings focusing on aspects of dementia will be offered annually.

“I am thrilled by the commitment of the entire Cedarfield community to create an inclusive organization for those living with dementia and their care partners,” said Melissa Andrews, LeadingAge Virginia’s President and CEO. “Their efforts are critical as we continue to progress toward our goal of Dementia Friendly Virginia.”

Dementia Friendly America launched at the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. The goal is to catalyze a movement to more effectively support those living with dementia and their care partners. Every part of the community plays a role in creating an informed, safe and respectful dementia friendly culture for individuals living with the disease, their families and care partners.

Dementia Friendly businesses establish customer service, communication, and environmental practices to accommodate cognitive impairment as well as commit to support for team members who are care partners themselves. LeadingAge Virginia and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services are the co-leads for the Dementia Friendly Virginia and Dementia Friends Virginia initiatives.

“This recognition confirms our team’s dedication to resident-centered support across the transitions of aging,” said Michael Shaw, Cedarfield’s Executive Director. “We live out our mission every day of Enriching Life’s Journey. Cedarfield will always be committed to offering a range of support to maximize independence and ongoing community engagement for our residents.”

Cedarfield and Pinnacle Living look forward to working in collaboration with other community sectors to make the entire Henrico County community more dementia-friendly.

To learn more about Dementia Friendly America, visit their website here.