Dementia Friendly Community

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Greendale Designated as a Dementia Friendly Community
DFA announcement

Greendale is a part of the Dementia Friendly America Network
Due to the large senior population in Greendale and the challenges associated with aging, the Successful Aging in Greendale for Everyone workgroup (SAGE) and its Dementia sub-committee have been working hard to identify and implement ways that Greendale can become more age and dementia friendly. The most recent success of this group is the acceptance of Greendale to the Dementia Friendly America network. As a dementia-friendly community, we are committed to work with community partners; engage persons with dementia and their caregivers; and collaborate with other agencies to lead and shape our dementia friendly activities, programs and events.
Dementia Friendly America (dfamerica.org)

What is Dementia - Copy (2)

Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases and Vascular Dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. But there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.
Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as "senility" or "senile dementia," which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.
Learn more:
Dementia Types | Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes, & Treatments
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What Is the Difference?

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Find out what how typical age-related memory loss compares to early signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Learn more:
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
Helpful Tools:
10 Warning Signs Worksheet (alz.org)
Communicating with Doctors or Health Care Professionals (alz.org)

What is a Dementia-Friendly Community? A dementia-friendly community is a place where individuals with dementia:

Are able to live good lives.
Have the ability to live as independently as possible.
Continue to be a part of their communities.
Are met with understanding.

For more information on Alzheimer's Disease and local opportunities go to:
Wisconsin (alz.org)
Alzheimer's & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association

For more information on Dementia Friendly Communities:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dementia/communities.htm

2023 Greendale Memory Cafe

Who can come to the Greendale Memory Café?
Anyone living with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or another dementia and their care partners and/or family members. The Memory Café provides an opportunity for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment or early-stage dementia and their care partners to come for an enjoyable social experience, meet others, and engage in interesting activities without fear of feeling out of place or being misunderstood. First time attendees are requested to preregister by calling the Greendale Health Department (414)423-2110.

The Memory Café is held the 4^thWednesday of the month.
2:30-4:00 PM
At the Historic Hose Tower Building
5699 Parking Street
Greendale

Register by calling the Greendale Health Department at 414-423-2110
You do not need to live in Greendale to come to the Greendale Café.

Click the link below for Memory Café opportunities in other communities.
MilwaukeeCountyMemoryCafesSPARKPrograms.pdf

Local Support Groups, Meetings, and Opportunities

SavvyCaregiverFlyer.pdf (milwaukee.gov)
To register email: DCS@milwaukeecountywi.gov

DementiaCaregiverSupportGroupFlyer.pdf (milwaukee.gov)
To register email: DCS@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Caregiver Group Resource Finder

This link will provide you with community resource finder for community programs and services.
Alzheimer’s Association Community Resource Finder (for online and in person support groups): https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/
Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Programs (has virtual support groups for caregivers): https://wisconsincaregiver.org/virtual-events-for-caregivers#SupportGroups
The Milwaukee County Department on Aging has a website with current programs: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Department-on-Aging/Dementia

Click HERE to access the Greendale Dementia Resource Guide

Access the Health Department Event Calendar HERE for upcoming opportunities.

Here are some additional resources for successful aging:
The Milwaukee County Department of Aging has resources to assist in successful aging,
https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Department-on-Aging

Love Thy Neighbor Foundation also has a great list of resources available on their website: Love Thy Neighbor Foundation - Love Thy Neighbor Foundation

Dementia Newsletter
The Dementia Newsletter will have a new look in 2023. Please check back for additional information as it becomes available. We believe it will be coming out Fall 2023. In the meantime, feel free to look through our Newsletter Archive listed below.

Dementia Newsletter Archive

Click HERE to read the May 2021 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the June 2021 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the July 2021 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the August 2021 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the September 2021 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the October 2021 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the Nov/Dec 2021 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the January/February 2022 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the March/April 2022 newsletter.
ClickHERE to read the May 2022 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the June July 2022 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the August/September 2022 newsletter.
Click HERE to read the October/November 2022 newsletter.