Dementia Friendly Lubbock

The Garrison institute on Aging (GIA), a research institute of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), recently continued efforts to expand its horizons and contributions to the community by joining a national network of individuals, communities and organizations known as Dementia Friendly America.

The Dementia Friendly America network seeks to establish communities across the country that are equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia refers to a wide range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, that cause a decline in one's cognitive abilities. More than 6.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and 11 million caregivers support them. In Texas, more than 400,000 persons live with dementia and 1.5 million family and friends are providing care.

The Dementia Friendly Lubbock initiative is proud to help foster the development of change in the way people think and act toward those living with dementia and their caregivers.

Every positive action we take as a community will increase awareness of this disease and have an impact on those affected. Through education, services and advocacy, Dementia Friendly Lubbock will strive to serve all in the community. As Dementia Friendly Lubbock continues its partnership with Dementia Friendly America, will continually engage the public in awareness of dementia and how understanding this disease can make a positive impact and a difference in all lives.

Continuing support of local medical, government and public entities, as well as the efforts put forth by the various planning partners who assisted in achieving Dementia Friendly status for Lubbock, is important as the organization moves forward. Those local supporters include the City of Lubbock, Brookdale Memory Care, South Plains Association of Governments, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, West Texas Alzheimer's Association, Texas Tech Physicians and Texas Tech University.

Dementia Live

A new program in association with Dementia Friendly America and Dementia Friendly Lubbock, through our certified and trained personnel, the TTUHSC GIA is now offering a FREE simulation that allows families, caregivers, businesses, and other organizations, to experience the symptoms that their loved ones, patients, and persons within their communities, endure. This simulation is called Dementia Live.

Dementia Live, created by AGE-U-CATE, is an immersive, hands-on training program designed to deepen the understanding and empathy of caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members towards individuals living with dementia. Through a unique, high-impact sensory experience, participants gain valuable insights into the daily challenges faced by those with cognitive impairment and sensory change. Through Dementia Live, the GIA seeks to educate the Lubbock community, while simultaneously making our city a safer place for those with Dementia.

We hope you will join us in our mission. To register for a FREE Dementia Live session, click here to get started.

Dementia Live Workshop

The GIA hosts Dementia Live Workshops. These workshops are more in depth Dementia Live simulation sessions, where we spend more time in the Empowerment Session portion of the program. In the extended Empowerment Session, participants have more time to ask questions and get connected to GIA community resources and partners. This workshop is open to Families and Caregivers, Co-Workers, Medical Students and Health Professionals.

Pieces of The Puzzle Kits: Resources To Enhance Your Caregiving Experience

Are you a caregiver that needs activities to do with your loved one with dementia? The Pieces of The Puzzle Kits can help. The Garrison Institute on Aging has a one stop shop for fun activities. Our kits are filled with games, puzzles, books, music, and much more that will help enhance your caregiving experience. Kits can be checked out at the Garrison Institute on Aging (GIA).

This project was inspired by the work of Sara Barsel, Ph.D., from Roseville Alzheimer's and Dementia Community Action Team.

Dementia Friendly Lubbock