 |
 |
Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease is perhaps one of the biggest commitments a person can face. It’s filled with emotional stress and hard work, but it can also be meaningful and rewarding. Sometimes, families can feel isolated and may not know where to turn for help.
The purpose of the Alzheimer’s Association is to help families cope with all aspects of the disease through information, education, support, and advocacy. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are strategies, therapies, and treatments that can help manage the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association can be a guide and a support to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their families as they learn about options and begin to plan for the future. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
To see which programs and events are coming up, please visit our calendar page.
Early stage support and education programs
Crossing Bridges
An eight-week educational support group for people who have mild memory loss, are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and a primary care partner. The overall philosophy of the group is to promote a fulfilled life while living with cognitive change. Sessions take place regularly throughout the year. An interview is required before participating in this group. Please call Mary Reines, Program Director, at 608.232.3404 or 800.272.3900 for more information.
Learning Among Friends
After completion of the eight-week series, there is an opportunity for participants to continue to meet together regularly to discuss topics of their choice and share support.
Meeting of Minds
Recent research shows that people with mild or early stage memory loss may benefit from cogitive and physical activities. Meeting of Minds is a memory enhancement program for people with mild memory impairment that includes stimulating activities, intellectual exercises, and tai chi-based exercise. This program is held at various times during the year and runs for several weeks at a time. Registration is limited. Please contact Jody Curley, Family Support Specialist, at 608.661.8427 for more information.
Other educational programs
ABC’s of Alzheimer's and Dementia
This program is for families of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder. The sessions include information on medical aspects of dementia, research, effects of dementia on the person, safety, communication, and much more.
Legal and Financial Planning Seminar
A two-part seminar for families that provides a general overview of legal and financial issues to consider for loved ones with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or another dementia.
Rethinking "Challenging" Behaviors
This education program is designed to educate and empower care partners to better deal with the challenging behaviors that may accompany their loved one’s dementia.
Powerful Tools for Caregiving
A six-part class for people who care for loved ones with stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, or similar long-term conditions. Classes cover a variety of topics such as reducing stress; communicating effectively; practicing self-care; dealing with emotions; and making tough decisions.
Maintain Your Brain
An interactive, scientifically based workshop for the general public which features nutritional and lifestyle advice and strategies to keep your memory sharp.
Positive Communication with Persons with Dementia
A two-hour workshop for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's and wanting to understand how dementia affects communication and how to carefully observe, listen and interact effectively with persons wtih dementia.
Making the Move to Facility Care
A two-session educational program to help families caring for a loved one with dementia make the transition from home to facility care. The program covers how and when to make the decision to move a loved one to a residential facility or nursing home, as well as what to consider when making the actual move.
Partnering With Your Doctor
An interactive workshop for people with memory loss and their care partners to learn strategies to better communicate with and prepare for physician visits, in order to advocate for the best care possible.
Additional services
Speaker's Bureau
Trained volunteers and professionals are available upon request to speak to community groups and organizations about Alzheimer’s Association services and other topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Advocacy
This active Public Policy Committee and statewide network advocates for policies and programs to assist persons with Alzheimer’s and their care partners before state and federal governments. This group also coordinates such events as the annual candlelight vigil at the State Capitol. Anyone interested in participating in advocacy is encouraged to join the network.
Other information and resources
Library services
A well-rounded selection of books, videos and brochures for families and professionals are available for check-out at our office on Segoe Rd. during regular weekday hours, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There are also additonal books, "mental fitness" cards, bracelets, magnets and more available for purchase.
Find information on resources by county (respite, assisted living, nursing homes, etc.). The documents are in Microsoft Word. If you are unable to open a file, please contact our office at 608.232.3400 and we'll be happy to mail you a copy.
