The Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) can help educate family members, provide support and connect caregivers to services, and problem-solve challenging situations.
The mission of the Dementia Care Specialist Program is to support people with dementia and their caregivers in order to ensure the highest quality of life possible while living at home. In order to accomplish this mission, the DCS has three main goals:
Ensure ADRC staff are trained and competent about dementia so customers are met with understanding and support
Provide education and support to family members and friends who are caregivers
Help develop Dementia-Friendly Communities where people with dementia can remain active and safe, and caregivers can feel supported
This is done through phone calls, office visits, and even home visits if necessary. Contact ADRC (920) 746-2372 to speak to the Dementia Care Specialist.
Dementia Care
What is Dementia
Dementia is an Umbrella term that is used for a variety of symptoms that are associated with a cognitive impairment. Dementia is more than just memory loss and actually affects all aspects of cognition including: functioning, judgement, attention, perception, reasoning, organization, communication, abstract thinking, orientation of time or place, ability to filter emotional responses, and awareness of socially appropriate norms.
What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, and other brain diseases like Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) all fall under the umbrella of Dementia. Another way to look at it is everybody that is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease has dementia, but everybody with dementia does not necessarily have Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia vs. Normal Aging
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!
Dementia Friendly Initiative & Trainings
Trainings support the development of a dementia-friendly Door County! A growing number of businesses, organizations, healthcare professionals, community members, public institutions, and other professionals are training their employees to offer hospitality and support to those with memory loss, cognitive decline, or other symptoms associated with a dementia. Training employees/staff/volunteers on how to recognize, communicate with, welcome, and support people with dementia and their caregivers. These establishments are identified by the Purple Angel decal displayed in the window. For more information on the Dementia Friendly Initiatives & Trainings call 920-746-7154
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
What is the difference between forgetfulness and dementia?
Accordion Memory Cafés provide an opportunity for people living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s & other related dementias and their care partners to enjoy socialinteraction with others on a similar journey to laugh, learn, & be in community.
Door County Memory Café
2nd Wednesday of each month
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Aging and Disability Resource Center
914 N. 14th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Sunflower Memory Café
4th Wednesday of each month
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: At Sunshine Resources inside Sunflower Cottage
SPARK! is a cultural program for people with early to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners. Programs are designed to keep participants actively engaged in their communities by providing experiences that stimulate conversations, provide peer support and inspire creativity through creative engagement, workshops and programs. SPARK! programs are FREE for families to attend together in a comfortable environment led by specially trained staff and volunteers.
Occurs the 3rd Wednesday of each month 10:00am-12:00pm Sites will rotate throughout Door County. Call the Dementia Care Specialist to get more information and to sign up. 920-746-7154
A memory screen is simply a wellness tool that may assist in identifying possible changes in memory or cognition. It also provides a baseline for future reference. Screens are free of charge. Schedule an appointment by contacting the ADRC at 920-746-2372.
The Door County Purple Tube Project’s goal is to assist families and first responders by providing information which may be helpful in the event of a medical or behavioral emergency. Our desire is for those impacted by dementia to be able to stabilize at home whenever possible. The plan will include a consumer information, a list of medications, recent photo, brief medical overview and potential interventions if person with dementia is showing signs of anxiety or acting out behaviors.
How do I register for the Purple Tube Project?
Please contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Door Co. for more information.
·Alzheimer’s Association Help Line 800-272-3900 Local Chapter: Wisconsin Chapter
·Alzheimers.gov 800-438-4380 https://www.alzheimers.gov/ Resources from the Administration for Community Living on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
·Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 866-232-8484 https://alzfdn.org/ support, services and education for individuals, families and caregivers.
·Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute 608-263-9949 https://www.wai.wisc.edu/ Program that provides information, education, research, outreach, advocacy and service programs to help improve lives, advance knowledge and inspire hope.
·Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association 414-219-7061 or 800-972-5455 https://www.wiparkinson.org/ Information, advocacy, support groups, education and screening workshops.
