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SWIRCA Dementia Supports & Services
Dementia Supports and Services are comprehensive resources, support groups, and care assistance, designed to help individuals with cognitive decline live safely, while providing respite and education for family caregivers.
Below is a selection of helpful articles and information for you to review at your convenience. Please click on the boxes to read more.
THE DEMENTIA FRIENDS INDIANA INITIATIVE was adopted in 2017 as part of a global movement to break down the stigma surrounding dementia and implement practical changes that can make life easier for those with dementia and for their loved ones. First administered by CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Indiana became the 10th Dementia Friendly state in the Country.
SWIRCA & More is proud to join this growing movement by bringing this vital initiative to Southwestern Indiana. SWIRCA & More is dedicated to helping those in our community living with dementia and their caregivers to get the support they need.
More than 1,000 Dementia Friends in Southwestern Indiana and 17,106 in the State of Indiana!
How Can I Become a Dementia Friend?
If you would like to become a Dementia Friend, all you have to do is attend a one-hour workshop. You don't have to be an expert on dementia or know someone with dementia to be a Dementia Friend.
In-Person or Remote Workshop
A Dementia Friends Champion will lead an informational discussion on what dementia is, what its like to live with the disease, and some tips for communicating with those who have it. Attendees are then asked to turn their new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone in their community. The action you choose to take can be big or small because every action counts!
Please visit https://www.dementiafriendsindiana.org/events-calendar/ to see what workshops are available this month in your area and to register.
Living with Dementia Support Group
SWIRCA's Living with Dementia Support Group provides help and practical advice to individuals living with dementia. This group meets the last Monday of every month at 2 p.m. at in the Exercise Room of SWIRCA's Activity Center. To register, please contact Linda Wright at at lwright@swirca.org or (812) 492-7443.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
This group meets at the same time as the Living with Dementia Support Group. The caregivers meet in the Craig Conference Room at SWIRCA while those living with Dementia meet with the Living with Dementia Support Group in the Exercise Room of our Activity Center.
Both groups meet the last Monday of every month from 2-3pm.
Memory Café
A Memory Café is a supportive environment where persons with memory loss and their caregivers/loved ones can go to socialize and do activities.
Beginning April 23rd, 2026 from 2-3pm SWIRCA & More will host this monthly program for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.
For More Information...
SWIRCA's Dementia Friends Brochure: Details about Dementia Friends Indiana. Download, print, and share with friends.
Dementia Friends USA: Learn about the Dementia Friends Movement across the U.S.
Follow us on Facebook for local updates!
Questions? Please contact Linda Wright at 812-492-7443 or lwright@swirca.org.
Inspiring Stories from SWIRCA Employees:
"As a Dementia Outreach Specialist, my mission is to educate and inspire communities about brain health and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. One of my most rewarding experiences in this role came from an opportunity provided by the Director of Sales at Trilogy. They invited me to speak at their Senior Executive Clubs. I shared evidence-based insights on how lifestyle factors support brain health.
The response from the group was inspiring. After each presentation, many attendees approached me expressing excitement about the new information and their eagerness to apply what they had learned. Several shared plans to discuss their Brain Care Score with their doctors, while others appreciated the practical tips on diet and lifestyle. Hearing that this knowledge was novel and motivating reinforced the impact of outreach. By equipping people with actionable steps to prioritize brain health, I believe we're building a brighter future in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases." ~SWIRCA Dementia Outreach Specialist
Alexandrian Public Library Becomes Dementia Friends
Marissa Priddis, Director of the Alexandrian Public Library in Mt. Vernon, Indiana and her library staff successfully completed the Dementia Friends Information Session and became designated "Dementia Friends."
What makes this achievement so special is that public libraries are not healthcare organizations. They're community hubs for learning, connection, and access to information. The fact that Marissa and her team chose to pursue this training shows their deep commitment to serving everyone in Mt. Vernon with understanding and kindness.
By becoming Dementia Friends, they're helping make the library a safe and supportive space where families impacted by dementia feel seen, valued, and included. That's powerful community leadership!
Thank you, Marissa and team, for going above and beyond. You're making a real difference in the lives of those you serve.
