Landings Credit Union earns “Dementia Friendly Business” designation

September 15, 2023 by Lauren Culp, CUInsight.com

Credit Union Spotlight, presented by CUInsight, features credit unions taking action and changing their local communities. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the important work these credit unions do to bring their mission to life.

Many of us have had loved ones who were affected by Alzheimer’s disease—and many of us will, if we haven’t already. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia drastically impact a person’s ability to manage their own finances, and affect millions of consumers in the United States. Yet, many financial institutions are not trained to recognize or assist individuals who are affected by Alzheimer’s.

One credit union is leading the charge to change that narrative. Arizona-based Landings Credit Union recently earned their Dementia Friendly Business designation, ensuring staff are trained to recognize and support members who may be experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Few credit unions are currently designated as Dementia Friendly Businesses, but a compelling opportunity exists to expand our industry’s inclusion and support of vulnerable members.

Landings’ President & CEO Brian Lee shared more with us about their team’s work to earn the designation (and how your credit union can too) below.

The story:

Alzheimer’s disease affects about 1 in 10 people over the age of 65, and Arizona leads the nation in projected new cases by 2025. Credit unions are uniquely positioned to help our community members and their caretakers that are faced with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

This is why Landings Credit Union partnered with the City of Mesa, a Dementia Friendly Community, and Oakwood Creative Care to become designated as a Dementia Friendly Business. To receive this designation, Landings staff attended a training presented by professionals from Oakwood, providing us with the understanding and resources of how to support those living with dementia and their families. The training included learning how to recognize the signs of dementia, how to interact with our members that exhibit those signs, and what we can do to foster a dementia friendly environment in our buildings. In addition, several Landings staff received additional training to become “Dementia Advocates” and will serve as resources within our departments when questions and situations arise.

The Dementia Friendly Business designation highlights Landings’ ongoing commitment to provide a safe and welcoming place to bank for all our members. We encourage credit unions across the country to visit the Dementia Friendly America website to see what is being done in their community and find a way to get involved.