The Challenge
The North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging (NCTCOG) faced significant challenges in delivering effective, scalable dementia education in rural communities. These areas struggled with limited access, transportation issues, and inconsistent support. Additionally, both professionals and community members often lacked the necessary tools to respond empathetically and effectively to individuals living with dementia.
The Solution
To address these challenges, NCTCOG, under the leadership of Director of Aging Doni Green, implemented AGE-u-cate’s Dementia Live® program. This decision was driven by the need to enhance dementia care support and awareness in underserved rural communities. Dementia Live® offered immersive, sensory-based simulation training that could be delivered both in-person and virtually, overcoming barriers such as transportation and scheduling limitations. 'The Dementia Live® program has transformed our understanding and approach to dementia care. It has empowered our staff and volunteers to interact with individuals living with dementia more effectively and compassionately,' said Doni Green. The program's rollout was expansive and strategic, targeting home-delivered meal programs, disability authority professionals, local churches, family caregivers, first responders, and healthcare professionals.
The Results
The implementation of Dementia Live® yielded impressive results. NCTCOG trained 93 home-delivered meal staff and volunteers, just shy of their target of 100. The program led to a 22.8% increase in understanding that dementia is not a normal part of aging, a 30.7% increase in confidence when interacting with individuals living with dementia, and a 51.8% increase in awareness of dementia-related community resources. These metrics underscore the program's success in fostering a more dementia-friendly, informed, and compassionate regional infrastructure.
NCTCOG's efforts were recognized in the National Rural Health Association's Compendium for Best Practices in 2024.
