Dementia Care Specialist

 

ADRC Community Resource Fair – This annual event, hosted by the ADRC and Adult Protective Services Unit of Buffalo and Pepin Counties, offers guest speakers and a variety of vendor resources, intended to aid persons who are aging and/or living with a disability, as well as their caregivers. The location of this summer-time event changes each year.

Awareness Cards for Persons with Dementia - Make everyday outings a bit easier by carrying these small 'wallet cards' which read: "I am living with dementia and may require an extra moment or helping hand. Thank you for your patience and kindness." (Note: Cards may be customized to your preference.) These cards discreetly notify others that you may need additional time or assistance to complete a transaction or carry out a specific task. 

Awareness Cards for Caregivers – Enjoy everyday outings with the support of Awareness Cards. These small ‘wallet cards’ read: “My loved one lives with dementia. We appreciate your patience and kindness.” This can alert community members to your loved one’s care needs, in a discreet manner. Also available are cards which read: "My loved one has dementia and sometimes say or does things that are unexpected. Thank you for understanding!" 

Brain Health 101 - A presentation which offers current information related to promoting and maintaining brain health. Subtopics include diet, physical activity, cognitive (brain) exercises, and more! 

Brain Health Check-Ups – Free and quick brain health check-ups, used as a tool to identify changes in memory or cognition. All screenings are confidential. 

Dementia Caregiver Support Gatherings – Monthly gatherings for caregivers of persons with dementia. Participants are able to build support networks with other local caregivers who understand the journey of caregiving.

        (1) Meetings take place at the Mondovi Public Library, on the fourth Thursday of each month, from 10:00-11:30am.

        (2) Meetings will take place at the Pepin Public Library, on the first Tuesday of each month, from 10:00-11:30am.

Dementia Live (DL) - DL is a hands-on, dementia simulation.  This experience is for persons looking to better understand what it’s like to live with the sensory deficits of dementia.

Home Visits – A Dementia Care Specialist can provide home visits to family caregivers and persons living with dementia, to provide recommendations and resources that are relevant to their needs. 

Memory Cafés – Cafés are social gatherings for persons living with dementia, as well as persons interested in brain-healthy activities and life-long learning. Each café offers a program or activity that is enlightening and fun. No registration required.

1. The Coffee and Conversation Café takes place on the second Thursday of each month, from 11:00am-12:00pm at Wings Over Alma, 110 N Main St, Alma.
2. Meaningful Connections Café will take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 11:00am- 12:00pm at the    Riverview Community Center, 606 W Madison St, Durand.

Savvy Caregiver Training – This is an evidenced-based program, attended by caregivers once weekly, for six weeks. Each meeting lasts two hours. Caregivers are able to learn new skills and strategies to care for their loved ones with dementia.

Project Lifesaver (PLS) – PLS is a program intended to promote the safety of persons with dementia who commonly wander. As part of the program, individuals wear a transmitter, about the size of a watch face, which allows first responders to locate them using radio waves. This program is available for Pepin County residents only.

Purple Tube Project (PTP) – PTP is a collaborative effort between the ADRC and local law enforcement, to support community members living with dementia. The purpose of the program is to improve a potential crisis/emergency response by first responders. Person-centered information is gathered and stored in the home of a person living with dementia. This information is then made available to first responders if ever needed. Purple Tube Project Training Video for EMS, FD, PD, Crisis Personnel

Two Rivers Connection Newsletter – Subscribe to this monthly newsletter to learn about ADRC events and opportunities. Enjoy educational articles and explore programming and resources available within Buffalo and Pepin Counties.