We are a Dementia supportive community.
Dementia is a medical diagnosis. It is not the fault of those who get it but caused by physical changes in the brain. Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in thinking, reasoning, judgment, organization, memory, communication, perception and attention, all of which interferes with normal daily life on an intermittent basis. It is caused by many conditions, there are many types of dementia, and it can develop at any age. There is no cure and no effective treatment.
We know that even as dementia progresses to the end stages people still have the ability to respond to beauty, music, art, enjoy humor, and to make relationships. People still have the ability to receive our love, be comforted by touch, and connect in deeply meaningful ways through spiritual practice whether it’s religious symbols, hymns they know, prayer, or short Bible verses.
God calls us to love our neighbors through all of life’s circumstances and remain connected, supportive, and loving. As disciples, we can continue to walk alongside and honor the individual regardless of their losses. By doing so we will help reduce stigma, isolation, fear, and lost function so those with a diagnosis can remain living and engaged in their community.
Local Services Available to Help People with Dementia and Their Caregivers
County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Pierce and St. Croix Counties ADRC’s are a central source of information, assistance, support and access to community resources for older adults, people with disabilities and their families and caregivers, regardless of income.
Aging & Disability Resource Center of Pierce County
412 W. Kinne Street (on the lower level)
Ellsworth, WI 54011 715-273-6780
Toll free: 1-877-273-0804
www.co.pierce.wi.us
Aging & Disability Resource Center of St. Croix County
1752 Dorset Lane, New Richmond, WI 54017
715-381-4360 Toll free: 1-800-372-2333
www.sccwi.gov
Veteran’s Services Offices
Pierce County 715-273-6753
St. Croix County 715-386-4759
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin
www.alzwisc.org
National Institute on Aging Information Center
Toll free: 1-800-222-2225
Resource Materials Available in Ezekiel’s Library
Dementia and Caregiving Guide – Resource booklet produced by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of St. Croix County. Information includes defining dementia; defining caregivers and caregiving; living well with dementia; adult respite; brain health; caregiver programs; memory cafes; and shopping for services checklist.
Aging & Disability Resource Center of Pierce County resource guide – A listing of resources available with telephone numbers for seniors, families, and caregivers in Pierce County.
Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of St. Croix County resource booklet – Description and contact information for the Key Services provided by the ADRC including the Dementia Care Specialist Program and Caregiver Support.
St. Croix County Aging & Disability resource guide – A listing of resources currently available with telephone numbers and addresses for seniors, families, and caregivers in St. Croix County.
Dementia Care Specialist brochure – Description of the services and areas that Dementia Care Specialist can be of help to individuals with dementia and their families and caregivers.
Among Friends brochure – Description of the locally run social respite day program for older adults with memory loss and their caregivers.
Memory Screening leaflet –Information about the value of memory screening.
Know the 10 Signs fact sheet – The Alzheimers’s Association fact sheet of the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s.
Caregiving Working Living brochure – Tips for working caregivers.
Memory Cafe leaflet– Information about the monthly Memory Café meetings for those with memory loss and their caregivers.
DayAway brochure for St. Croix County – Information about the social respite program for older adults who are frail or who have memory loss.
LEEPS brochure for St. Croix County – Information about the exercise and social outing program for people with memory loss.
ADRC of Pierce County Magnet – Magnet with the telephone number for the Age & Disability Resource Center of Pierce County.
ADRC of Pierce County Pocket Reference – Pocket sized tri-fold card with the contact information for the Age & Disability Resource Center of Pierce County and resources available.
Understanding Memory Loss booklet – What to do when you have trouble remembering from the National Institute on Aging.
The Dementias booklet – Information on types of dementia, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, and current research from the National Institute on Aging.
AgePage Forgetfulness: Knowing When to Ask for Help brochure – Information from the National Institute on Aging.
Have questions about Dementia resources? Fill out this form and Sandy will be in contact with you.