Dementia Friendly Lexington

Dementia Friendly Lexington (DFL) is a coordinated initiative aimed at making Lexington a more inclusive and supportive place for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. It’s the only community in Kentucky officially recognized by Dementia Friendly America UK College of Medicine+1.

Key Highlights:

• Community-Wide Membership
  DFL brings together caregivers, people living with dementia, nonprofits, businesses, and organizations like the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, Bluegrass ElderLaw, and the Bluegrass Area Development District UK College of Medicine.

• Training & Designation for Businesses
  Local establishments can undergo training to receive a Dementia Friendly designation. For instance, Ramsey’s Diner became the first business to earn this recognition in October 2021 and held a Dementia Friendly Restaurant Night to raise awareness and celebrate the designation UK College of Medicine+1Southern Living.

• Practical Training Approach
  Staff trained through the program learn strategies like asking yes/no questions, offering visual cues, simplifying menu options, using positive and patient communication—all aimed at making the experience more comfortable for customers living with dementia UK College of MedicineSouthern Living.

Other Dementia-Friendly Resources in Lexington

While DFL addresses community and business adaptation, several other programs in Lexington support social engagement and care coordination:

• Lexington Memory Cafe
  A welcoming, in-person social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Held monthly (currently on the 3rd Wednesday), organized by the Alzheimer’s Association (Greater KY & Southern IN Chapter) and UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Dementia Friendly America -.

• Bluegrass Dementia Care (via Bluegrass Care Navigators)
  While not a business-chapter entity, this program offers comprehensive care coordination, caregiver education, 24/7 support, and helps individuals remain safely in their communities. It serves Fayette County and other central Kentucky regions bgcarenav.org.

• Bluegrass PACE Care
  A Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that earned a Dementia Friendly designation too. It provides personalized, in-home services and supports older adults in aging in place—an excellent model of dementia-centered care coordination bgcarenav.org.