Wilbraham: Dementia Friendly Community Status
- Wilbraham, Mass., has been officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly Community by the Massachusetts Councils on Aging.This designation reflects the town's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive...
- A community celebration is scheduled for July 7, from 11 a.m.
- Katie Krupka, of Assisted Living Locators, emphasized the importance of the initiative.
Wilbraham, Massachusetts, proudly achieves Dementia Amiable Community status, a major step towards inclusivity. This designation highlights Wilbraham’s dedication to supporting residents with dementia and their caregivers, fostering a welcoming habitat. A community celebration is planned for July 7 at the Wilbraham Senior Center. The initiative, spearheaded by a dedicated committee, has rolled out Dementia friends training, memory cafés, and school outreach programs. Assisted Living Locators’ Katie Krupka emphasizes the importance of this effort in reducing stigma and increasing dementia awareness through education, underscoring that a community must be supportive. stay tuned to News Directory 3 for updates on how Wilbraham is creating a more accessible community. Discover what’s next for this forward-thinking town.
Wilbraham Certified as dementia Friendly Community
Updated may 26, 2025
Wilbraham, Mass., has been officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly Community by the Massachusetts Councils on Aging.This designation reflects the town’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for residents living with dementia and their caregivers. The Dementia Friendly Wilbraham initiative aims to reduce stigma and enhance the quality of life for those affected by dementia.
A community celebration is scheduled for July 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wilbraham Senior Center, located at 250 Springfield St. The public is invited to attend, including town officials, local businesses, and community members. The event will feature guest speakers from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, with light refreshments provided.
Katie Krupka, of Assisted Living Locators, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “A dementia-friendly community is a place where people with dementia and their caregivers are supported, included, and empowered by local residents and businesses,” Krupka said. She added the focus is on education, reducing stigma, promoting awareness, and ensuring access to resources.
The Dementia Friendly Wilbraham initiative began in the summer of 2023. A committee, including Krupka, Barbara Harrington and paula Dubord of the Wilbraham Senior Center, Tracey Perry of Country Bank, and representatives from the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, guided the effort.
Over the past year, the committee has conducted dementia education efforts. These include Dementia Friends training for local businesses and town offices, dementia simulation experiences, and facts on dementia research. The Wilbraham Senior Center also launched a memory café, providing a safe space for individuals with dementia and their families. Dementia Friends training was even presented to fourth and fifth-grade students at Soule Road School.
“This recognition is not just a milestone — it’s a testament to the compassion and dedication of our entire community,” Krupka said. “We are committed to continuing our efforts to educate, support, and grow as a truly Dementia Friendly town.”
What’s next
Wilbraham plans to continue collaborating with community partners and local businesses to expand awareness, offer educational opportunities, and improve the quality of life for all residents affected by dementia. for more information or to RSVP for the July 7 event, contact the Wilbraham Senior Center at (413) 596-8370.