NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2026
• Programs of Excellence Name: Dementia Friendly Film Series
• Hosting Organization: Whitney Senior Center, St. Cloud, Minnesota

About the Dementia Friendly Film Series

The Whitney Senior Center, in partnership with Dementia Friends Greater St. Cloud, offers a Dementia Film Series that brings the community together through thoughtfully selected documentaries and feature films focused on dementia, caregiving, and prevention.

Films such as Still Alice, Wine, Women and Dementia, Little Empty Boxes, Dick Johnson Is Dead, Caregiving, The Notebook, The Father, and Old People Driving are used to spark understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage meaningful dialogue. Each screening includes access to resources and refreshments prior to the film, followed by a facilitated panel discussion that allows participants to reflect and ask questions. People can attend in person or join an online watch party via Zoom.

Panelists have included people living with dementia, caregivers and care partners, and professionals across disciplines—such as physicians, law enforcement officers, physical therapists, dementia care experts, music therapists, and other health care professionals—creating a rich, multi-perspective learning experience. This model promotes empathy, builds community awareness, and advances a more dementia-friendly, inclusive community.

The series is a safe, approachable way to explore a topic that touches many older adults, whether personally, through a partner, a friend, or a family member. Films and documentaries humanize dementia by showing real stories, not just diagnoses. They also reduce fear and stigma by replacing myths with understanding. The featured films spark meaningful conversation in a gentle, non-clinical way and validate lived experience. This helps caregivers and people living with dementia feel less alone.

Shared understanding and building community connections remind participants that they are not facing these challenges alone and help establish more community resources for both individuals living with dementia and caregivers.

Attendance and participation are tracked for each screening, including the number of films shown and total attendees. Participant feedback is collected through post-event surveys and informal conversations to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and comfort discussing dementia.

Engagement during panel discussions, including the number and depth of audience questions, is used as an indicator of learning and reflection. Distribution of dementia-related resources and referrals is monitored to understand connection to community supports. Ongoing partnerships, repeat attendance, and continued community interest have further demonstrated the program’s impact and success.

Key takeaways Dementia Friendly Film Series:

• The Dementia Film Series made a positive and meaningful difference in participants’ lives by reducing isolation and increasing understanding around dementia in a safe, welcoming environment.
• The program attracted new participants who had not previously attended
  senior center programming, including caregivers, family members, professionals, and community members of all ages. 
• Whitney SeniorCenter partnered closely with Dementia Friends Greater St. Cloud, which provided guidance on film selection, dementia-friendly practices, and community outreach. Additional community partners supported the program by helping identify panelists, promoting the events, and sharing resources with participants.

About Whitney Senior Center

The Whitney Senior Center "strives to promote the holistic well-being of all people 55+ in the greater St. Cloud area by providing opportunities for social interaction, recreation, and education. We engage, enrich, and empower people's diverse interests and needs with dignity, innovation, and joy."