University of Massachusetts Flagship Initiative on Research-based ADRD Social Therapeutics (FIRST)

UMass Amherst has launched the University of Massachusetts Flagship Initiative on Research-based ADRD Social Therapeutics (UMass FIRST), funded by the federal Administration for Community Living. The initiative supports local Massachusetts organizations working with people living with dementia, those with intellectual or developmental disabilities at risk of dementia, and their caregivers. UMass FIRST offers several services for community-based organizations in Massachusetts, including training both healthcare professionals and highly skilled volunteers to deliver Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), providing group training and one-on-one consultations for caregivers, and Providing an educational program for direct care and companioning individuals who support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and risk of dementia.