The ADRC is a Dementia Capable Organization with highly trained professional staff who provides appropriate, competent, sensitive supports to the individual with dementia and their caregivers.
Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms resulting from diseases such as Alzheimer’s, as well as other conditions such as strokes. The damage to the brain can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.
What the ADRC offers:
Evidenced Based Interventions that do make a difference!
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers: A six-week educational workshop that meets once per week, to help caregivers identify and manage the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that family caregiving can present and connects you with other caregivers who are facing some of the same feelings and problems you may be facing.
- Music & Memory: Bringing personalized music into the lives of individuals through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life. Available through the ADRC and local libraries, contact the ADRC to find out more 920-674-8734. Henry Video Clip
- Testimony: “When you are listening to music you forget about problems, you forget about loneliness, you forget about depression, things like that”- Alex M.
- Brief Cognitive Screens:
A simple non-diagnostic tool that when scored positively can be shared with your physician for further assessment, diagnosis and treatment. - Dementia Live:
A high impact, dementia simulation experience that immerses participants into life with dementia, resulting in a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory changes. - Dementia Friends:
Dementia Friends USA is part of a global movement that is challenging the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Anyone can be a Dementia Friend- we all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities! A Dementia Friend is someone who, through attending an in-person session, learns about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends program to visiting someone who is living with dementia, every action counts.
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization Training:
Working together to create dementia friendly communities throughout Jefferson County. Businesses and organizations that become Dementia Friendly will have access to resources and information about dementia and how it may affect their customers, clients, or participants. There is no cost for this training. Receive a 30-45 minute training, on-line and printed materials, new Dementia Friendly Culture, recognition from the community, collaboration…the key component in battling dementia.
Criteria to become a Dementia Friendly Business/Organization:
- 50% of more of your staff trained
- Management trained
- Incorporate training and resources into ongoing training for staff
- Consider future environmental updates
- In-home Consultations
- Connection to Memory Diagnostic Clinics
- Information, Assistance & Referral
- Education
- Financial Support via the Alzheimer’s or National Family Caregiver Support Programs
- Care Coordination
- Assessments for publicly funded long term care
- Connections to the county-wide Dementia Registry
Memory loss is not an evitable part of aging, but if you or someone you care about are exhibiting symptoms such as those listed below, it’s time to talk with someone about your concerns. The ADRC provides a service that not only helps those in crisis or those who can't manage, but also validates current experiences and can help with planning ahead and being prepared. Individuals can continue to see results from understanding the disease and being proactive in managing its impact. The ADRC is here to help!
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Normal age-related memory changes |
Symptoms that may indicate dementia |
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Able to function independently and pursue normal activities, despite occasional memory lapses |
Difficulty performing simple tasks (paying bills, |
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Able to recall and describe incidents |
Unable to recall or describe specific instances |
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May pause to remember directions, |
Gets lost or disoriented even in familiar places; |
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Occasional difficulty finding the right word, |
Words are frequently forgotten, misused, or garbled; repeats phrases and stories in same conversation |
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Judgment and decision-making ability |
Trouble making choices; May show poor judgment |
For additional Alzheimer's and Dementia Services and Information click on the links below:
Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging
Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter
Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
Huntington’s Disease Society of America
Dementia-Capable Wisconsin –A Guide for Family Caregivers
To speak with the Dementia Care Specialist, please call: 920-675-4035 or Toll-Free: 1-866-740-2372