The Town of Twillingate is working towards becoming a dementia-friendly community.

Mayor Justin Blackler says he was moved to learn about the different ways in which dementia affects families in the area, and how prevalent it is.

The mayor told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly that education is key and they’re working on ways to make more people aware of dementia and how to interact with and support individuals and families.

He says a lack of education and awareness around dementia led to a recent interaction between an individual, law enforcement and municipal staff that wasn’t as positive as it could have been. As a result the town is putting out a number of online modules, supplied through the Alzheimer’s Society, to help educate people on how to support and interact with people living with dementia and their loved ones.

Blackler says education is first, followed by more activities and events to make the town a dementia-friendly community.

That will include a community wheels program and music cafes where patients and their caregivers can come together.