Pike County Indiana

Brenda Hancock is a Community Resource Coordinator at Generations, Agency on Aging and Disability. She is supported by her work through the Generations and University of Southern Indiana’s GWEP initiatives. Brenda supports Dementia Friendly Pike County that has expanded from Petersburg to cover the whole county.

Brenda says; “My professional life has been exclusively spent in the field of Social Services.  I have worked with all age groups; however, for the past 16 years, I have worked with older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers through the Area Agency on Aging.  I worked as a Case Manager for the first half of my time at the agency and then transitioned to the office about 8 years ago.  I am currently coordinating the Dementia Friendly Pike County efforts.” And; “Although I have never been a direct caregiver for someone living with dementia, I have seen the effects that dementia has on those who have been diagnosed with it, as well as those who are giving care for someone living with dementia.  My dementia work started with Dementia Friends Indiana through the AAAs and just sort of organically blossomed from there.  I see the need for education and stigma reduction in all areas of our communities and am excited by the possibilities!”.

When asked what is something you are proud of, Benda explains; “I think that the biggest accomplishment of Dementia Friendly Pike County, to date, is the establishment of dementia friendly dining hours at one of the local restaurants.  The restaurant owners and the action team partnered to make this happen with help from GWEP grant funding.  Dementia friendly menus were created and the staff provides a welcoming and calm dining environment each month for people living with dementia and their caregivers.”