Memory Link Program by Fox Valley Memory Project
When you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, 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 educational program designed for caregivers to help them 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.
DICE Approach (Describe, Investigate, Create, Evaluate)
The DICE Approach is a process that aims to help 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 give context to and 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 create a custom plan for managing behaviors. To learn more about this approach, contact the Dementia Care Specialist at the ADRC.
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 (DCSs) 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, please contact the ADRC.
