Dementia Friendly Nevada Community Group

Dementia Friendly Washoe County

Monthly Community Group Meetings:

First Thursday of each month, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center
1301 Valley Rd, Reno, NV 89512

Community Group Goals

Goal 1: Increase engagement opportunities for persons living with dementia in Washoe County.

Goal 2: Identify what opportunities people living with dementia and care partners would like to see in Washoe County through a community assessment.

Goal 3: Foster collaborative partnerships among community members and organizations to better support people living with dementia and care partners in Washoe County.

Current Activities:

Walk with Me

Dementia Friendly Washoe County has partnered with Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation for FREE weekly guided nature walks at Idlewild Park. Come explore nature in a welcoming environment, support your brain health, and connect with your local park and community!

Dance with Me

Dementia Friendly Washoe County has partnered with the Ballroom of Reno for FREE weekly dementia-friendly partner dance classes.

Open Door Café

Dementia Friendly Washoe County is proud to host the “Open Door Café,” a monthly event for care partners, people living with dementia, and interested community members to come enjoy a musical performance in a welcoming environment. Along with the performance, attendees will enjoy an extra hour following the performance to socialize with one another, enjoy refreshments, and win fun prizes! The event space for the Open Door Café is co-sponsored by the City of Reno.

Upcoming Community Group Events

Walk with Me

Every Thursday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Idlewild Park
Address: 50 Cowan Dr. Reno, NV 89509
Download the flyer here!

Open Door Café

The Open Door Café will be held at the Lake Mansion Arts & Culture Center in Reno, NV (250 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501) on the following dates:
- July 23rd
- August 13th
- Download the flyer here!
The Open Door Café will be held at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center in Reno, NV (925 Riverside Drive, Reno, NV 89503) on the following dates:
- September – December (specific dates to be announced)

Dance with Me

Dementia Friendly Washoe County has partnered with the Ballroom of Reno for FREE weekly dementia-friendly partner dance classes, held each Wednesday from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at the Ballroom of Reno.
2540 Sutro Street Ste 4 Reno, Nevada 89512.
Download the flyer here!

Community Group Member Spotlight: Hannah Linden

Can you please share a little bit about why you became a member of Dementia Friendly Nevada?
I have witnessed through my work at the Sanford Center for Aging as well as in my personal life how challenging it can be to live with dementia, but I have also discovered how people can live well with dementia. People living with dementia deserve to live in an inclusive community that allows opportunities to grow, thrive, and connect.

What is one thing you wish others knew about becoming a new member of Dementia Friendly Nevada?
Anyone can be a member of Dementia Friendly Nevada, regardless of your connection (or lack of connection) to people living with dementia. Everyone can play a role in making our communities more accepting and inclusive.

What is one of your hopes for how your community can become more respectful, educated, supportive and inclusive of people living with dementia?
I would love to raise more awareness of the dementia-friendly programs offered in the community and bring in people from all walks of life so that we can learn from one another. I think these connections are an important way to bring about change.

What is one myth or misconception about dementia that you’d like to dispel or clarify?
People often think that those living with dementia cannot have a good quality of life and cannot participate in meaningful activities or learn new things. This is not the case! Everyone’s journey with dementia is different, but everyone can continue to learn and enjoy life.

What are three of your favorite things to do in your leisure time?
I love spending quality time with my husband and son, getting outside for a walk or hike, and traveling whenever.

Prevalence of Dementia In Washoe County (2020)

9,336

people living with dementia 65 and over

2,476

people living with dementia 85 and over

1,334

people living alone with dementia

Community Group Impact

After hosting 30+ people at the Dementia Friendly Washoe County Kickoff Event, this Community Group is working to make an even greater impact throughout Washoe County!