The ADRC of La Crosse County is a Dementia-Capable Organization with highly trained professional staff who provide competent, appropriate and sensitive supports to individual, families and caregivers impacted by dementia. The ADRC not only connects those in need to supports, resources and services available for managing their situation, but can also validate experiences and help with planning to navigate the future.
Memory changes or other changes can be scary. Understanding the difference between “Normal Aging” and “Not Normal Aging” is the first step in sorting out these changes. There are other medical conditions that may mimic the signs and symptoms of dementia and should be considered and treated. It is important to note that Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Click here to read more about what memory change are normal.
FREE "Brain Checks"
Worried about your memory, having trouble completing tasks? A congitive screen is a brief tool used to assess for changes, it is not a diagnostic test.
Dementia Care Specialist
Part of the Department of Health Services Dementia-Capable Wisconsin Initiative, the mission of the Dementia Care Specialist Program is to support people with dementia and their caregivers in order to ensure the highest quality of life possible while living at home in the community. The Dementia Care Specialist can:
- Assess your situation and discuss your concerns
- Help you and your family understand Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and how the disease may progress over time
- Work with you and your family on developing a plan that supports you
- Discuss strategies to help reduce stress and safety and increase quality of life
- Assist you in accessing community resources related to dementia
Dementia Care Specialist Referrals
Our goal is to help people remain safely in their communities, living well. It is important to connect them to resources for supporting their entire well-being (social, emotional, physical, spiritual needs). Referrals can be made directly to the Dementia Care Specialist at the Aging & Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County by calling (608) 386-0767 or (608) 785-5700.
Support for Family Caregivers
Peer Caregiver Support Program
Connect with former caregivers who have "been there, done that."
La Crosse County Support Groups
Do I Need a Support Group?
WI Alzheimer's Association Teleconference Support Groups
Emotional, educational and social support for caregivers!
Support Groups - Lewy Body Dementia Association
Seeking support for Lewy Body Dementia? Connect with individuals, families and caregivers in a group setting to anyone affected by LBD, whether you are an LBD caregiver or are a loved one or friend of someone diagnosed.
Telephone Support Groups - Frontotemporal Association
AFTD sponsors national support groups for people who are not able to access a group in their area. These groups meet either by phone or through Zoom and blend emotional support with education on FTD and caregiving.
Helping Children Understand
CLIMB Theatre Resources
Includes videos, curriculum, supplemental activities, and resources all focused on raising awareness around Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia while strengthening skills in empathy and resiliency.
Support for Kids and Teens - The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
Community Programs
OASIS Respite Program
A safe place for loved ones, allowing caregivers to make time for themselves along their caregiving journey. The OASIS Respite Program features:
- Purposeful participation to appeal to a variety of interests and abilities
- A safe space for therapeutic learning and sensory stimulation
- Supportive, caring staff including a Certified Nursing Assistant
- Nutritious snacks and beverages
- Activities that focus on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of all
Music & Memory Program
Dementia Live
A dementia simulation experience that immerses participants into life with dementia.
Alzheimer's Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP)
Funds through AFCSP are made available to assist caregivers to purchase goods and services related to the care of someone with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. For more information, call the ADRC at 608-785-5700.
National Helplines
Resources for caregivers to receive answers to general questions about dementia, education programs and strategies or just a listening ear when you need it most!
Alzheimer's Association
24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
8 AM-8 PM Weekdays & 8 AM-4 PM Weekends: 800-232-8484
Association for Frontotemporal Dementias: 866-507-7222
Please note, this is not a 24-hour line. Leave a message and an experienced staff member will respond as soon as possible.
Lewy Body Dementia Association 'Lewy Line': 800-539-9767
Please note, this is not a 24-hour line. Leave a message and an experienced staff member will respond as soon as possible.
Education for Caregivers
Check out the calendar of events for upcoming dementia programs/activities!
Books & DVDs
Information is key when caregiving for someone with dementia. The ADRC has a large selection of dvds and books for check out on a wide variety of topics for your caregiving role. Call us at 608-785-5700 for topic list and to arrange a pick up.
Savvy Caregiver
Powerful Tools for Caregiving
Online Family Caregiver Training
Learn how to better care for a family member with dementia.
Trualta
This tool is available at all Aging & Disability Resource Center's throughout WI. It has a wealth of information at your fingertips, convenient as its self-paced and always available. You can self-register a free account online or call us to get started.
Department of Health Services: Webinar Seriers on Caregiving Topics
Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute: Health Living with MCI - Legal & Financial Planning
Vision Center: Tips for Caring for Individuals with Vision Loss and Dementia
Resources for Caregivers
Awareness Cards
Ever have a poor experience out in public and it could have gone smoother if the people around you or serving you would have just been aware of your loved ones’ dementia? We have discreet business cards that can alert people to your situation while respecting your loved ones’ dignity. Call us at 608-785-5700 to get a few.
Caregiver Activity Kits
Spend time in activity and having fun with your loved one with dementia. Check out one of the five themed kits that contain three activities geared toward people with dementia for stimulation, fun and enjoyment throughout the day. Free for caregivers to check out. Available at La Crosse County libraries (Holmen, West Salem, Bangor, Onalaska, Campbell). To learn more, or to reserve a kit, call 608-526-9600.
Support for People with Dementia or Cognitive Concerns
Keeping you connected with all the opportunities available in your community to remain as independent, active and involved as you desire.
Peer Groups
Brain & Body Fitness
La Crosse Parks & Recreation Dementia Friendly Programming
Coulee Region Giving Hearts Choir
Clearwater Farm SPARK!
Minnesota Marine Art Museum SPARK!
Dementia & Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
For more information regarding Dementia and Down Syndrome, see below, and/or contact the ADRC of La Crosse County's Dementia Care Specialist to be connected to additional resources.
Aging & Down Syndrome: A Health & Well-Being Guidebook
Down Syndrome & Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
Research Opportunities
You can be connected to research studies that attempt to further understand the causes and possible treatments for Alzheimer's and other dementias. For those desiring to help through research or to learn more about research opportunities, check out the following resources:
Wisconsin Research
Alzheimer's Association Research
National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Clinical Trial Search
Community Support
Dementia Friendly Communities
A dementia-friendly community raises awareness of and develops respect and inclusion for people with dementia, has services and resources embedded in all areas of the community to ensure meaningful access to community and promote quality of life, supports and educates all community members, people with dementia, and their care partners from diagnosis through disease progression. The following activities support a dementia-friendly community:
La Crosse County Dementia Resources for Businesses
2,369 individuals in our community are living with dementia. By 2040 this number will double. Now is the time to begin learning and planning for how we can support our patrons and employees who will be affected by dementia.
Dementia Live
A dementia simulation experience that immerses participants into life with dementia.
"The Guided Light" La Crosse County's Dementia Newsletter
This quarterly newsletter launched in January 2021 serves as your go-to guide for local resources, support and learning all things dementia. Check out past editions linked below or to receive a digital copy by email, click here to sign up! Need a mailed copy? Call the ADRC at 608-785-5700 to request.
July 2022: Managing Dementia Symptoms
October 2022: Self Care and Caregiving
January 2023: Activity Engagement
April 2023: Safety at Home
Dementia Coalition: Dementia Friendly La Crosse County
Dementia Friendly La Crosse County consists of community members, health professionals, healthcare providers, caregivers, and people living with dementia and aims to make life better for those with affected by dementia through advocacy, resources, support, and education. Meetings are held monthly and include sub-committees that meet outside the coalition meeting dates. Join us! Questions, email [email protected] or call 608-386-0767.
The dementia friendly community coalition’s mission is to raise awareness of dementia prevalence, challenges and barriers, joys and successes, resources and supports in our community while supporting activities and events for people living with dementia and their caregivers in La Crosse County. Check out these stories:
Part 1 Top of Mind: Breaking Down Stigma Behind Dementia (wxow.com)
Part 2 Top of Mind: Caregiver Burnout & Worker Shortages (wxow.com)
Part 3 Top of Mind: Emotional & Financial Toll of Memory Care (wxow.com)
