Dementia Care Specialist (DCS)
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwest Wisconsin was awarded funding to implement a Dementia Care Specialist Program as part of the Dementia-Capable Wisconsin Initiative that was prompted by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Long Term Care. This program has three goals:
- Assist individuals and families living with dementia to continue to be active and remain in their homes for as long as they choose.
- Support the staff within the ADRC and county programs to be better prepared to support individuals with dementia and their family caregivers.
- Be a catalyst to create dementia friendly communities, which includes businesses, employers, local organizations, etc. and raise awareness of the unique needs of people with dementia and their families.
How can the Dementia Care Specialist Help?
Anyone affected by dementia (at any age) can contact the Dementia Care Specialist. The DCS is here to support those that:
- Have dementia or are concerned they may have symptoms.
- Are caring for someone with dementia.
- Are a community member who wants to support individuals with dementia, or are concerned about a friend with symptoms.
- Are a business owner or leader looking to learn more about dementia friendly communities.
Support and Services for Individuals & Families
Boost Your Brain and Memory
Program participants learn practices to help them live a healthier lifestyle, remember things better, be more organized, pay closer attention, and regulate their emotions. The flexibility of the program makes it useful to anyone!
This is an instructor led program. Each of eight sessions includes a video segment and follow-up exercises with memory tips, key concepts, and more. The instructor’s guide offers step-by-step instructions for leading discussions and ensures participants learn key points for improving brain health and memory. Additional participant workbook activities also allow the instructor to engage participants in brain healthy behaviors and goal-setting.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. Caregiver frequently cite restriction of personal activities and social life problems. They often feel they have not control over events, and feeling powerless has a significant negative impact on caregivers’ physical and emotional health.
In the six 2 1/2 hour classes, caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to : reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate their needs to family members and healthcare/service providers; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; recognize the messages in their emotions and deal with difficult feelings; plus make tough caregiving decisions.
Supportive Care
- Cognitive Screens
- Connections to Support Groups & Other Programs
- Connections to Resources & Services
- Assistance with Care Planning
- Connections to Memory Cafés
- Dementia Capable Emergency Response
Dementia Friendly Communities
Dementia Friendly Businesses
Increased Civic Awareness
More About DCS Services
Contacting the DCS
You can contact the DCS by calling 800-514-0066 and connecting with your local ADRC. The DCS can also be reached via Facebook at : facebook.com/adrcswwi.dementia.
What about confidentiality?