Programs for Caregivers
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 order to accomplish this mission, the Dementia Care Specialists (DCS's) have four goals:
- Provide free information and assistance to adults with memory or cognitive concerns, or who have been given a dementia diagnosis.
- Provide information and support to family members and friends who are caregivers.
- Help develop dementia-friendly communities where people with dementia can remain active and safe, and caregivers can feel supported.
- Train other staff at the ADRCs and other county and municipal offices to be dementia-capable.
To reach the Dementia Care Specialist for Winnebago County, contact the ADRC.
Memory Link Program by Fox Valley Memory Project
When you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can be overwhelming to determine your next steps. Whether you want to know how to best support your loved one or how to navigate the journey yourself, Fox Valley Memory Project has experienced Resource Navigators to support you. When you reach out, a Resource Navigator will be assigned to you and your family to walk alongside you throughout the journey of dementia. From diagnosis to managing symptoms and more, we will be available to help ease the transitions that come along with dementia.
RCI REACH Program is presented to you in partnership with MOSAIC Family Health to assist caregivers experiencing stress in the care of their loved ones at home. The program offers current information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as in-depth support. A certified coach can help develop strategies and techniques for coping with troubling behaviors while improving emotional and physical health.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based educational program designed for caregivers to help reduce stress, locate resources, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings, and increase ability to make tough decisions. This is a 90 minute class that meets weekly for six (6) weeks. Contact the ADRC for information on scheduled classes.
DICE Approach (Describe, Investigate, Create, Evaluate)
The DICE Approach is a process that helps caregivers manage the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Many caregivers experience difficulties managing behaviors which can include aggression, wandering, and refusing needed care. The DICE Approach guides caregivers through a process to identify the possible causes of behaviors. With this better understanding of why behaviors are occurring, the DICE Approach assists caregivers to target the underlying causes of the behaviors and use evidence-based behavioral and environmental strategies to manage them. If you have questions or are interested in the DICE approach, contact the Dementia Care Specialist at the ADRC.
Free online training and support is available to caregivers made possible by Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Alliance, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and GWAAR.
- Improve your confidence, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.
- Connect with other caregivers through community chat rooms.
- Access on-demand resources to suit your schedule.
- Suit your learning preference with videos, articles, audios, interactive scenarios in English and Spanish.
- A variety of topics to include:
- Communication strategies
- Behavior management
- Personal care
- Activities and recreation
- Caregiver wellness
- Mobility and fall prevention
- Documents and decision making
Grief and loss
Caregiver Respite
Mindworks by Fox Valley Memory Project
Mindworks is a facilitated program for people with early to mid-symptoms of dementia or memory loss. The curriculum provides opportunities for enhanced social connections while promoting brain health and overall wellness. Mindworks also provides respite opportunities for caregivers and family members while participating in Mindworks.
The ADRC of Winnebago County has partnered with Valley VNA, St. Paul Lutheran Church (Neenah), and Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church (Oshkosh) to provide free respite for caregivers who are caring for adults with memory loss. Families may utilize both sites, it does not matter where the caregiver or the adult with memory issues reside. This program supports adults/caregivers of any religious denomination.
Caregiver Support Groups
There are a number of support groups in Winnebago County that are open to the public with no registration required.
Fox Valley Memory Caregiver Support Groups
The Fox Valley Memory Project (FVMP) has monthly support groups in Oshkosh, Menasha and the Fox Valley region. They also offer Men's Caregiver support groups in Neenah and Appleton.
Alzheimer’s Association Regional Support Groups
The Alzheimer's Association has monthly support groups that are virtual and in person throughout the state of Wisconsin.
MOSAIC Family Health Caregiver Support Group
Mosaic Family Health has a monthly Family Caregiver support group that is in person at their Appleton clinic and is also virtual.
Lorenzo's House
A nonprofit social impact organization designed to empower youth and families, living with younger-onset dementia. Lorenzo's House creates virtual and in-person youth initiatives, support groups and healing spaces - growing a community that walks together, never alone.
Funding
Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP)
AFCSP is a program that can provide respite to a caregiver caring for an individual who has Alzheimer's or Dementia. This program can fund things like home care, personal emergency response systems, transportation, adult day care, and more. Contact ADRC to learn more about this program.
Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW)
Respite Care is a short break from primary caregiving duties. It allows the caregiver an opportunity to rest, refresh, and recharge. RCAW promotes valuable programs including grants for families to obtain respite for caregivers, training for respite providers and a registry of respite care providers throughout the state of Wisconsin.
