Dementia Care Specialist (DCS)

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwest Wisconsin maintains 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 who:

• 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 community leader who is looking to help spread awareness and education surrounding dementia.

Support and Services for Individuals & Families

Boost Your Brain & Memory

Boost Your Brain & Memory is an 8-week, multi-faceted, whole person program offering a unique approach to brain fitness. 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. Typically offered throughout our region 4 times per year.

SAVVY Caregiver

Savvy Caregiver helps family caregivers acquire and strengthen knowledge, skills, and attitudes, empowering them to be more intentional, strategic, and responsive in their caregiving role. Taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is specialized work. To do this, caregivers need special skills, knowledge & a positive attitude that helps them to care for themselves. Through this 7-week class, caregivers gain skills to manage daily care, learn new approaches, and gain confidence for their important role. Virtual classes offered throughout the year.

Stress Busting Program

The Stress-Busting Program is a multi-component, evidence-based program that not only allows caregivers to learn about stress and its effects, but also learn and practice a new stress management technique each week. Caregivers will have the opportunity to develop tools and strategies they may need to cope more effectively with the stressors related to caregiving. The program content includes stress and the impact of long-term stress, managing difficult behaviors, grief, loss, and more. Typically offered twice a year.

Supportive Care

• Private Dementia Care Consultations (Can be one to one or entire family)
• Memory Screens
• Connections to Support Groups & Other Programs
• Connections to Resources & Services
• Connections to Memory Cafés
• Dementia Capable Emergency Response

Dementia Friendly Communities

The Dementia Care Specialist is an integral part of our Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives. The ADRC of Southwest Wisconsin is only part of the local coalitions in our counties working to make all of our communities Dementia Friendly. For more information about these strides, as well as a list of current Dementia Friendly Businesses in our region please click here:  

Increased Community Awareness

Our Dementia Care Specialists welcome opportunities to educate our communities about dementia, the Dementia Care Specialist program, and dementia friendly communities. This includes presentations, trainings, or one on one discussions surrounding dementia.

Contact Us & More

The DCS can be contacted by calling 800-514-0066 and connecting with your local ADRC. The Dementia Care Specialist can also be found via Facebook at : facebook.com/adrcswwi.dementia.

About DCS

• Confidentiality? All files and correspondence are kept locked, and your conversations with the Dementia Care Specialist will remain confidential. You may be asked to sign a release of information so the Dementia Care Specialist can inquire on your behalf.
• Cost? There is no charge for the services that the Dementia Care Specialist provides.