AMHERST — Amherst is undertaking work to make the community more age- and dementia-friendly, with an online survey for residents a key component of the initiative.
Input is being sought about what is needed to create a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for all older adults, people who are living with dementia, and the people who care for them.
The results of this survey will help town officials, with assistance from staff at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, to develop a community assessment and action plan that will serve as a road map for Amherst becoming an Age & Dementia Friendly Community.
“This will be the direct feedback we need to take action steps,” said Senior Center Director Hayley Bolton.
Participation will also help town officials get an understanding of what is working in Amherst and where there are opportunities for improvement, and will aid in prioritizing actions needed to make Amherst more liveable for people of all ages.
Amherst has a working group assisting with community engagement strategies before development of the community assessment and action plan. The working group next meets Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m., with more information about that session on engageamherst.org. The survey can be accessed in English at surveymonkey.com/r/AFAmherst2.
Everyone who completes this survey by March 31 will be eligible for a drawing for five $50 gift cards donated by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.
The surveys are also available online in Spanish and Portuguese, while those in Korean, Chinese and Khmer can be obtained by contacting the Senior Center at seniorcenter@amherstma.gov or 259-3060.
Hard copies of the survey can also be picked up and dropped off at the Bangs Community Center outside Room 101, and at the circulation desk at Jones Library.
