Orland Fire District touts “Dementia Friendly” awareness to support residents in need

The Orland Fire Protection District declared in partnership with the Village of Orland Park, the Orland Chamber of Commerce and Aishling Companion Home Care announced that it is recognizing the needs of individuals who suffer from dementia.

The Fire District announced it is “Dementia Friendly” and its employees, firefighters, paramedics and staff embrace dementia friendly programs to assist those in need.

“Dementia Friendly” Orland Park seeks to raise awareness, provide community resources and offer community education through three initiatives.

First, Dementia Friendly Orland Park aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and offer resources by encouraging families to attend the Orland Fire Protection District’s free dementia education classes.

Orland Park announces its "Dementia Friendly America" status, a collaboration between the Orland Fire Protection District and Aishling Companion Home Care. July 2020 — Orland Park announces its “Dementia Friendly America” status, a collaboration between the Orland Fire Protection District and Aishling Companion Home Care. July 2020.

The second initiative involves collaboration with local businesses and organizations—including Chamber of Commerce, churches, police departments, the Orland Park library, senior centers, home health, hospice, home care agencies, and Illinois State Senators and State Representatives—by offering dementia-friendly training.

A third activity is promoting the Premise Alert Program to register those living with dementia with the local 911 dispatch at the Orland Fire Protection District.

Aishling officials announced, “Well it’s official! We did it! Orland park has been approved and is now part of the national movement Dementia Friendly America . The Orland Park Fire Protection District and Aishling Companion Home care are on a mission! Our Task force has been assembled and encompasses all entities that interact with a person with dementia. Meetings scheduled and we are so excited to be a part of this! Such endless possibilities and to be able to shape the future for those suffering with this disease living in Orland Park is truly amazing .”

For more information on Aishling Companion Home Care, 13255 Southwest Highway, Suite 200, visit www.facebook.com/Aishlingcare.

For more information on the Orland Fire Protection District visit www.OrlandFire.org.

For more information on the Village of Orland Park, visit www.OrlandPark.org.

For more information on the Orland Park Chamber of Commerce visit orlandparkchamber.org.