All residents are invited to attend a City of Vernon Open House Tuesday, May 9 ,from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Schubert Centre to share their experiences and ideas on how Vernon can be a more age- and dementia-friendly community.
Residents may also wish to visit the Age and Dementia Friendly Community Planning project page on Engage Vernon for additional information.
Vernon’s senior population is significantly higher than the national average of 19 per cent (2021 Census). The percentage of seniors in Vernon rose from 23 per cent in 2011 to 28 per cent in 2021 and is expected to continue rising.
Recognizing the need to cultivate an age friendly community, the Vernon Seniors Action Network (VSAN) and the City of Vernon are working together to develop Vernon’s first Age- and Dementia-friendly Action Plan.
Age-friendly communities are set up to help seniors live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved. They are places where older people are recognized and respected for their skills, abilities, and contributions.
Dementia-friendly communities are places where people living with dementia and care-partners are also respected, included, and supported. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but the number of people living with dementia is increasing due to population aging. Fear and stigma can make it very isolating for both the person living with dementia and those who care for them.
With support from BC Healthy Communities in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Health, this project aims to create an action plan relevant to the specific needs of Vernon that can be integrated into other city plans, policies and programs. It also aims to increase service provider capacity, partnerships, and alignment on shared priorities and resource allocations.
A draft Age and Dementia Friendly Community Plan is expected to be presented to Vernon council in September.
READ MORE: Vernon Pickleball Association looking to expand facility
READ MORE: Rising creek levels cause concern for train tracks in Vernon
roger@vernonmorningstar.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.