WAKEFIELD — The Melrose Council on Aging (COA) is taking significant steps toward making Melrose a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents, regardless of age or ability. With support from a Field Demonstration Grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, the COA is currently pursuing official Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly designation from the state of Massachusetts.
As part of this initiative, the COA recently hosted Dementia Friends sessions for municipal employees, educating them on the five key messages about dementia, communication changes, and ways to support individuals living with dementia. These sessions were attended by two dozen city employees from 10 different departments.
Building on this effort, the COA will offer two public Dementia Friends sessions in March, welcoming all Melrose residents:
• Wednesday, March 12, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Milano Center on West Foster Street.
• Tuesday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the City Council Chamber in City Hall.
Residents are encouraged to attend and can reserve a seat by calling 781-665-4304 or scanning the included QR code. Additional sessions tailored for local businesses are planned for April.
Beyond these educational sessions, the COA is also working to develop a Resource Guide for all residents, a city map highlighting essential resources such as public restrooms, outdoor seating, and senior discounts, as well as wayfinding signage for the Beebe Estate and Milano Center buildings.
For more information on the COA’s Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly initiative, please contact the Melrose Council on Aging at 781-665-4304 or email milanocenter@cityofmelrose.org.