Dementia-Friendly Baker County receives grant for education

BAKER CITY — (Release from DFBC)  A local organization, Dementia-Friendly Baker County (DFBC), has received an $11,400 grant for educating caregivers in Eastern Oregon. 

The grant, from Roundhouse Foundation, will allow two Baker area residents to train family care partners and care facilities staff to implement a program known as Positive Approaches to Care.

The two-year grant will cover the costs of educating the two facilitators and implementing the

program in Baker, Union, Grant, and Wallowa Counties. Related costs, such as travel and materials, will also be covered by the grant. Crossroads Carnegie Art Center has partnered with DFBC to provide the required 501(c)(3) financial sponsorship, as well as other support.

Beth Mastel-Smith, the steering committee chairperson for Dementia-Friendly Baker County,

responded to the announcement, saying, “Roundhouse support means DFBC will be able to provide family and staff in our rural area with the knowledge and skills needed to help people living with dementia to be as independent as possible, have quality of life, and remain engaged in our communities. We appreciate Crossroads Carnegie Art Center for serving as our fiscal sponsor and making this funding possible. “

Dementia-Friendly Baker County has worked for the past year to develop and provide activities

to support people with dementia and their care partners (usually unpaid family members) to meet the challenges of dementia in everyday life. Monthly education programs have covered such issues as diagnosis, driving, medications, and behavior changes. 

A major community event related to dementia awareness is planned for the fall in Baker City.

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Elkhorn Media Group