Education and services
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 & Dementia Alliance 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 & Dementia Alliance 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.
Crossing Bridges
Crossing Bridges is a four-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 Pat Wilson, Family Support Specialist, at 608.232.3406 or 888.308.6251 for more information.
Meeting of Minds
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 available to those who have completed the Crossing Bridges program.
Learning Among Friends
After completing Crossing Bridges, there is an opportunity for participants to continue to meet together regularly to discuss topics of their choice and share support.
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.
Dementia Care at Home: Eating, dressing, toileting, and bathing
This half-day training is designed to help family caregivers turn personal care tasks such as toileting, bathing, eating and dressing into successful, safe and meaningful activities. Learn techniques and strategies to improve communication, modify the environment, and adapt each task to increase success and decrease stress.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
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.
Savvy Caregiver Training
Many caregivers would like to go beyond introductory education offereings, so this training goes in-depth into what it takes to provide care for a peron with Alzheimer's disease. It can be thought of as professional-level training for non-professionals. 12-hour commitment; caregiver's manual included. Fee.
Maintaining Brain Health
An interactive 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 with dementia.
Making the Move to Facility Care
An 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.
Monthly Family Caregiver Education Program
Meets the second Monday of each month in the evening at the Alzheimer's Association. Learn about topics of interest to family and friends of those with dementia like activities, communication, help for caregivers, resources and more. See our education calendar for current topics - no reservations needed.
Speaker's Bureau
Trained volunteers and professionals are available upon request to speak to community groups and organizations about Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance 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. Anyone interested in participating in advocacy is encouraged to join the network. Contact Rob Gundermann, Public Policy Director, at 608.232.3408.
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 additional 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 PDF format. 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.
