Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and communication that impact someone’s ability to meet their daily needs. Common causes of these symptoms are Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body or another type of dementia, or potentially reversible health conditions. These symptoms are not part of normal aging.
What Can the ADRC help me with related to dementia?
Dementia Care Specialists: Consultations with individuals and their families to plan for their future by gathering information about dementia, what to expect, decisions to consider and community resources available.
Community Memory Screenings
Caregiver Support Groups
Connect with Dementia Friendly Community opportunities
A Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) is employed by the ADRC to assist individuals and families living with dementia to remain as active and independent as possible in the community. The DCS also ensures that ADRC staff are knowledgeable about dementia and prepared to meet the needs of the people they serve in a supportive, helpful manner. Lastly, the DCS is a catalyst for launching and overseeing Dementia Friendly Communities within Waukesha County.
Memory screens for individuals who question whether they are having cognitive changes.
Consultations with individuals and their families to plan for their future by gathering information about dementia, what to expect, decisions to consider and community resources available.
Business training to learn how best to serve customers who are experiencing cognitive changes.
Education to civic groups and service organizations regarding the impact of dementia and how they can support and assist their friends and neighbors.
Education to healthcare providers regarding person centered care strategies and how best to support those living with dementia.
Anyone who is experiencing changes in their memory, thinking or communication abilities or providing support and assistance to someone who is experiencing these changes.
Caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed by the multiple demands on their time.
People with early memory loss changes who are interested in being proactive to remain as healthy and independent as possible.
Volunteers who are interested in assisting people with cognitive changes.
Businesses who realize their employees need to improve their skills for interacting and communicating with people living with dementia.
Dementia Education and Support
For Caregivers
Savvy Caregiver is a proven curriculum developed by Dr. Kenneth Hepburn and colleagues at the University of Minesota. Grounded in research this educational series teaches strategies, practical real-world skills, and helps to reduce stress, both in the caregiver and the person for whom care is being provided. Savvy Caregiver increases the caregiver’s sense of competence, and well-being even though there may be little experience. The course will cover:
understanding the career of caregiving
different types of dementia
how the decline in cognition affects behavior
dealing with the feelings that arise while caregiving
fitting tasks and activities to the person’s abilities
decision making skills
A memory screen is a wellness tool that helps identify possible changes in memory and cognition. Early detection is important and treatment is possible. Stay in control of your life. It’s Free and takes only 15 minutes!
Get immediate results
Receive information about Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Talk with a Dementia Care Specialist about available resources
Learn about brain health and ways to stimulate your brain
Younger Onset Dementia Caregiver Support Group 2nd Wednesday of Every Month, 3:00-4:30pm
Are you caring for someone who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia prior to the age of 65? Join us for conversations about dementia, caregiver strategies and community resources.
Connect with local dementia specialists virtually from the comfort of your home! Join to ask questions, gain support, and brainstorm strategies to get through this time together with three local Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Dementia Care Specialists. Come with a cup of coffee or tea to interact via Zoom. Video or by phone.
Offered on a rotating basis by Dementia Care Specialists from ADRC of Waukesha County, ADRC of La Crosse County, ADRC Eagle Country and ADRC of the Southwest.
The Dementia Care Specialist from the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and the Community Outreach Coordinator from the Alzheimer’s Association will assist you in the process of creating a Dementia Friendly Community. Utilizing an existing template, guidance is given in the development of a leadership group, training is provided, and ongoing communication is facilitated in the development of the dementia friendly coalition and workgroups.
If there is interest in having your community become dementia friendly contact the Dementia Care Specialist at (262) 548-7848.
For more information about Dementia Friendly Communities, or to schedule a dementia awareness presentation, dementia friendly business training or memory screen event, please contact:
The Library Memory Project, an initiative of Bridges Library System, is a partnership between public libraries in Jefferson and Waukesha Counties with a mission to provide programs to those affected by memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia.
Libraries involved in the memory project offer memory cafés and educational programs on memory loss and brain health. A memory café is a social gathering for those who are experiencing early-stage dementia, mild memory loss or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and for their families, friends, or care partners.
There are currently 21 public libraries involved in the Library Memory Project.
Purple Springs Memory Project (Mukwonago, Eagle, New Berlin, and Muskego)
Running Waters Memory Project (Lake Mills, Waterloo, Johnson Creek, and Watertown)
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