Dementia Friendly Orange County

09/01/2026

We brought along a fun game to play, but sometimes the best moments happen when you simply let the conversation lead the way. Instead, we spent our time laughing, sharing stories, and reminiscing about what life was like when we were young.

We also talked about wayfinding—our ability to recognize where we are, navigate familiar places, and find our way from one place to another. With brain changes and dementia, this skill can sometimes become more challenging, so understanding it can help us better support those experiencing those changes.

Sometimes the best activity is simply connecting, sharing, and remembering together.

PLEASE NOTE: Our Memory Café scheduled for Tuesday, September 15 will be canceled. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, October 6 at 1:00 PM at the Orleans Public Library!

09/01/2026

08/25/2026

🧠✨ TRAIN YOUR BRAIN: Nutrition, Neurobics & Notable Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy!✨🧠

What can you do today to support a healthier brain as you age? Join Purdue Extension and the Rural Dementia Network Dementia Friendly Orange County for a FREE, interactive program focused on practical ways to support brain health!

We’ll explore:
🥗 The connection between nutrition and brain health
🧠 The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease
💡 Everyday habits and activities that help keep your mind active
🌟 Simple ways to support brain health as you age

🍽️ Lunch will be provided!

📅 Thursday, September 24
⏰ 12:00–2:00 PM
📍 Melton Public Library
8496 W College St, French Lick, IN 47432

✨ FREE & open to the public!

⚠️ Space is limited and RSVP is required

📞 RSVP to Melton Public Library at 812-936-2177 or visit the reference desk.

Need an accommodation, interpreter, or translator? Please contact Purdue Extension Orange County at 812-723-7107or [email protected] prior to the meeting.

Come learn simple, practical ways to keep your brain healthy and active! 🧠💚

08/25/2026

What a GREAT turnout for today’s Dementia Friendly Orange County Networking Lunch!

A huge thank you to Melissa Snider with Autumn Trace Communities for an informative presentation. Melissa highlighted several valuable resources, including Aid & Attendance benefits and respite care, and gave our group information that can truly help the individuals and families we serve.

One of the best parts of today was seeing so many different community resources represented around the table! When you bring this many organizations together, the conversations, connections, referrals, and opportunities for collaboration are incredible. What a great group!

Thank you to Lost River Deli for providing another delicious lunch. We even had a last-minute change of venue right before we started, but everyone rolled with it and it worked out great!

Next lunch: September 29
We’re excited to welcome Heart 2 Heart as our next host!

08/17/2026

RSVP TODAY !

08/13/2026

If you would like to get support in your journey as a caregiver for someone living with dementia please join us today a 2pm for the Caregiver Support group at Stonegate Arts and Education Center on the corner of 15th and J Street on the Bedford Square. Sometimes its hard to get out of the trenches and do something for yourself but noone can do this alone.

08/12/2026

08/03/2026

Join us for our next Dementia Friendly Orange County Networking Lunch on Tuesday, August 25, at 11:30 a.m. at Lost River Deli! 💜

We’re excited to welcome Melissa Snider, Community Relations Director with Autumn Trace Communities, as our guest presenter. Melissa will share information about the services and support Autumn Trace provides for older adults and their families.

A big thank you to Autumn Trace Communities for sponsoring lunch and partnering with us for this month’s networking event.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, care partner, community organization, or simply interested in learning more about dementia-friendly resources, we’d love to have you join us.

Please RSVP to Natasha at 812-276-4269.