dementia inclusive dining -
Welcoming our neighbors

Last winter, Sonya Bates, a UMaine Fellow focused on dementia inclusion (DI), worked with two groups - Age-Friendly Chelsea and Age-Friendly Coastal Communities (the Blue Hill Peninsula, Deer Isle and Stonington) to pilot dining opportunities that demonstrate how common events can be tailored to accommodate people living with dementia.

According to Sonya, “Planning involved incorporating dementia inclusive elements in thoughtful ways that honored the existing character and intent of the event.” 

Sonya has gathered the lessons learned and written the Dementia Inclusion Dining Guide. Age-Friendly community leaders who have existing or are planning community meals and events will find it invaluable. The Guide discusses topics such as the menu, the signage, the décor and the table settings. Hopefully, the Guide will be used to make everyone feel welcome and included. 

As for the actual events, in Chelsea, it was their monthly informational luncheon which is one their signature events. Sonya worked with Wilma Ware and Dot Grady from Age-Friendly Chelsea, creating modifications to the table settings and the room. All  were designed to ensure that everyone felt most welcome. 

On the peninsula, two committee members, Anne Schroth and Lori Johnson teamed up with Anne Ossanna, the director of Elder Services at Downeast Community Partners to work on this project. The Blue Hill event was at the Walk-In Cafe, which isn't a congregate meal, but is a community gathering focusing on casual conversation -  that also serves snacks. 

Anne, Lori, and John Lindquist, Executive Director of Friends in Action, were there to answer questions from Cafe guests and to generally be in community with them. Working with local experts who are so willing to share their time and knowledge is wonderful.

Sonya told us “The best outcome was actually threefold: 

1. It inspires community event organizers in Lifelong Communities to involve people living with dementia in planning and to add dementia inclusion elements to their meals and events.

2. It encourages people to learn more about dementia and dementia inclusion

3. It acts as a small but effective piece in making our communities more inclusive for all. 

What can you do in your community to make all feel welcome?