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Dementia Care

What is dementia?

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 Specialist

at the ADRC of Waukesha County

What is a Dementia Care Specialist?

 

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

Community Dementia Efforts

Dementia Friendly Communities

How does a community become Dementia Friendly?

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.

  • Community Awareness - Dementia Awareness Presentations
  • Dementia Friendly Business Training
  • Early Detection - Community Memory Screen Events
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Groups
  • Engagement activities for Individuals with Dementia and the Caregivers/Families
  • Dementia Crisis Training for First Responders (Police, Fire, Paramedics)
  • Dementia Education in the Schools
  • Dementia Resources

For more information about Dementia Friendly Communities, or to schedule a dementia awareness presentation, dementia friendly business training or memory screen event, please contact:

Kathy Glaser, Dementia Care Specialist, (262) 548-7354

Library Memory Project

an initiative of Bridges Library System

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.

Explore locations and our interactive map.

  • Lake Country Memory Project (Pewaukee, Delafield, Hartland, North Lake, and Oconomowoc)
  • Glacial River Library Memory Project (Jefferson, Whitewater, Fort Atkinson, and Palmyra)
  • Waukesha Memory Cafe (Waukesha)
  • Wild Plum Memory Project (Sussex, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls)
  • 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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