The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin and the Aging & Disability Resource Center-Richland County are pleased to announce that the Richland Medical Center has been designated a dementia-free community.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, a dementia-friendly designation implies that a business or an organization helps create a community where individuals with dementia:
• Are able to live good lives
• Have the ability to live as independently as possible
• Continue to be part of their communities
• Are met with understanding
• Are given support where necessary
ADAW Program Director Becky DeBuhr said the ADAW is proud to champion dementia-friendly initiatives—which are always more successful through strong partnerships.
By training businesses and organizations on dementia-friendly protocols, the ADAW and the Richland Center community aim to increase the independence and quality of life for its residents. This process enables all partners to keep people with dementia and their families active and involved.
The ADAW worked with Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Philomena Poole to train the Richland Medical Center team.
“We want our family and friends to stay in the community and support them so they can thrive,” DeBuhr said.
To be recognized as dementia-friendly, the Richland Medical Center trained ninety-five percent of their employees and reviewed environmental changes that would aid patients with dementia or memory challenges.
One in eight people over age sixty-five have some form of dementia and the majority live in the community.
If your business, organization, church or community is interested in becoming dementia friendly, contact the ADRC at 608-647-4616 or the ADAW at 608-232-3400.
For more information about the Richland Medical Center,
visit https://richlandmedctr.com
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