ADRC of Racine County, Wisconsin

 

Dementia/ Alzheimer’s

 

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive ability that is severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. Symptoms can include changes in memory, thinking, language, reasoning, planning and more. There are several types of dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common.

 

Where to Start/Find Help

  • Memory Screens – Are you concerned about memory loss?  The ADRC staff are trained to provide free memory screens for adults.  A memory screen is a wellness tool that helps identify possible changes in memory or cognition.  It can also provide a baseline for future reference.  Call the ADRC and book your appointment today.   

  • Someone I know has/may have Dementia  or I care for someone with Dementia. Caregiving can be a challenging and emotionally exhausting role, but you don’t have to do it alone.  The ADRC provides support, education, and resources to individuals with dementia and their care partners to ensure the best quality of life possible.

  • Safety – Do you have concerns about your loved one wandering?  Please complete the Elopement Alert Form – Racine County Residents Special Needs Alert Program (SNAP).  This program provides Law Enforcement Officers with crucial information in contacting and locating residents of Racine County with special needs such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.  By completing the attached form, you will provide law enforcement with crucial information that can assist in providing the best care during emergencies.  For additional questions, please call the Racine County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 262-886-2300.

    Elopement Alert Form 

Connect to Local Resources

ADRC Directory of Dementia Care Resources

Advance Directives (Power of Attorney etc…)

Care Consultations  Contact the ADRC at 262-833-8777 to request an appointment at your convenience.

Memory Café -comfortable, social gathering that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize and build new support networks. 

Racine - Flyer  English and Spanish. For information contact 262-833-8777

Mount Pleasant - Flyer     For information contact 262-833-8777  

Burlington - Flyer  For information contact Chad at 262-212-3596

​Music and Memory  Flyer  A program for people with Alzheimer’s (or other forms of dementia) and their caregivers. This program has shown how someone’s favorite music can have a positive effect on mood and how they engage with the people around them.

SPARK!  https://www.ramart.org/education/spark/  Discover FREE art experiences for people with memory loss and their caregivers at the RAM’s Wustum Museum and the Racine Art Museum.

Support Groups - Call the ADRC 262-833-8777 or see the Caregiver page for times and dates available.

 

Supporting the Community

Dementia Business Training - The Dementia Friendly Community initiative trains businesses and organizations on how to recognize, interact with and create a safe environment for individuals with dementia and their care partners.  This free 45 minute training provides an overview of dementia and how to approach and communicate with individuals living with this disease.  Upon completion of training, The Purple Angel decal is provided to let the community know that this business is accessible and safe for people living with dementia.

Learn more about ways you can support dementia-friendly communities or call the ADRC and learn about how to become a dementia friendly business.

 

Additional Information & Resources

  • 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  http://alzfdn.org/  support, services and education for individuals, families and caregivers.

  • Brain Health (National Institutes of Health) https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics/brain-health  Tips to learn more about improving your brain health

  • Dementia articles at AARP https://www.aarp.org/health/dementia/  Link to a variety of dementia related information. 

  • Frontotemporal Degeneration, The Association for, 866-507-7222  http://www.theaftd.org/   *local support group available
  • Huntington’s Disease Society of America –  Wisconsin Chapter   877-330-2966  http://wisconsin.hdsa.org/

  • Lewy Body Dementia Association     800-539-9767   http://www.lbda.org/

  • Trualta- Caregiver in-depth lessons, practical steps and guided support: Contact the ADRC for information about the Trualta program 262-833-8777.  Ask for caregiver support or visit  https://wisconsincaregiver.trualta.com/signup  for more information on this valuable program.

  • US Veterans Department   855-260-3274   https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/alzheimers_and_dementia_care.asp  For those caring for a Veteran, resources on dementia care through the VA and information on new research on dementia in Veterans. 
  • Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute   608-263-9949   http://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.