Brown County
Dementia Friendly Coalition
COVID-19 Resources for People with Dementia and their Caregivers
virtual support
educational opportunities
for the person with dementia
for the caregiver
Get the latest information COVID-19, including number of cases, Governor’s orders, guidance for
health professionals, and more at the official Wisconsin DHS COVID-19 website
January Update
Virtual Support
Wisconsin Caregiver Support Groups – Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association has put together a combined list of all of their current virtual support groups. Some are standing support groups, and some have been added due to COVID-19. These are some great opportunities to connect with other caregivers!
Click HERE see the full list.
Brown County Specific Men’s & Women’s Virtual Groups
Specific for Brown County caregivers, join this group to connect with others during this time of COVID19. Discuss challenges, successes, and maybe make some friends in the process!
Click HERE for bth the Men’s and Women’s Groups
For the Person with Dementia
Teepa Snow’s Brain Connection Cafés
Every Other Monday 2:00 – 3:00pm (Central Time)
Dementia expert Teepa Snow hosts free, fun, live sessions for you to connect with others and exercise your brain. Use your existing skills and try out something new, too! The Brain Connection Café is open to anyone, including those living with dementia, but you must register. Please join us for social interaction and brain engagement!
Click HERE to see upcoming Cafés. Click “Register Now” on the Café you’d like to attend. All Cafés
are held through Zoom.
Teepa Snow’s Brain Connection Cafés (Every Other Monday 2-3pm CDT)
For the Caregiver
Teepa Snow: Dementia Care and the Holidays
Wednesday, December 9th from 1:00 – 2:00pm (Central Time)
The session is designed to help learners better understand the impact of dementia on traditional celebrations, holiday festivities, family gatherings, and special events. The goal is to help everyone enjoy these times while minimizing stress and maximizing positive and joyful moments. The session will help learners appreciate the changes that dementia is causing, what the person can still do and enjoy, and ways to cope with challenges or frustrations to improve interactions for all.
Click HERE to see the flyer and register.
AlzConnected: A Caregiver Forum
Pre-recorded Video
AlzConnected, powered by the Alzheimer’s Association, consists of message boards specifically for caregivers of people living with dementia. Especially during these isolating times of COVID-19, connect with caregivers who may be going through a similar journey. Real caregivers share their successes, challenges, and ask questions of other caregivers. This free platform is welcoming to everyone affected by dementia including caregivers, family members, friends, and even if you’ve lost someone to dementia.
Go to http://www.alzconnected.org/ to access these message boards.
Archives
For the Caregiver (archives)
Here you will find the past featured tools for the Dementia Caregiver.
Virtual Powerful Tools for Caregivers
The ADRC of Ozaukee County is hosting an online version of Powerful Tools for Caregivers to be held once weekly on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30pm beginning May 5th. This program is designed to help caregivers care for themselves while caring for a loved one, whether that loved one lives with them or lives in a care facility, and whether they are distant caregivers or are helping a friend or neighbor. To participate, caregivers will need to have access to a computer or iPad and have internet access.
To register, please call the ADRC of Ozaukee County at 262-284-8120.
Click HERE to view the press release for more information.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers
Whether your loved one is receiving care from you at home, in an assisted living facility, or has agencies coming into their home to provide care, it is important to prepare yourself for protecting your loved one from COVID-19. The Alzheimer’s Association has put together tips on how to keep your loved one safe during this time of COVID-19, however they are receiving care.
Click HERE to read more.
Caregiver Action Network: Alzheimer's Caregiver Video Resource Center
Did you know that there are nearly 15 million family members, friends, and neighbors who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Take comfort in knowing you are not alone by hearing what your fellow caregivers have to say. Sometimes, the best advice for family caregivers comes from those who have walked the path before you. View these videos, specific to caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Browse topics including life as a caregiver, staying connected to your loved one, and reaching out for support..
Click HERE to browse the videos.
5-Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere
Feeling stressed? Some people do not have time for a full meditation session. However, most of us can take 5 minutes out of our day for some relaxation and self-care. This brief, 5-minute meditation can be done anywhere! When you are feeling overwhelmed, whether in your house, in the car, or anywhere you might be, take 5-minutes to re-center and relax. You deserve it!
Click HERE for the 5-minute video.
Online Educational Opportunities
Updates from the Latest Research
Thursday, December 17th from 12:00-1:00 pm
Join us to learn about the latest research updates in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, presented by Kari Paterson, Alzheimer’s Association. Kari Paterson is an Executive Director and Research Champion for the Alzheimer’s Association, where she has worked for the past 7 years. Prior to this role, she worked for the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at UW Madison. Kari is passionate about Alzheimer’s disease research, educating families, and the pursuit to find a cure.
To register, click HERE or call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900
Dementia Matters: Aerobic Exercise and Brain Health
Pre-Recorded Podcast
Aerobic exercise is often a recommendation for maintaining cognitive well-being, however its true connections to brain health are still being investigated to learn its effects on Alzheimer’s disease. Wisconsin ADRC exercise physiologist and researcher Max Gaitán joins the podcast to discuss the recent pilot study “Protocol of Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Health (REACH)” and the study’s future research into the impact of aerobic exercise on brain health.
Click HERE to listen to this podcast.
Make a Life Book!
A Life Book, sometimes called a Memory Book, can be helpful in not only documenting your life’s journey and your most important accomplishments and memories, but it can serve as a tool to help you reminisce and bring up positive memories over time. Many Life Books start at the beginning of your life, for example, with a picture of you as a baby or of the house you grew up in. Life Books can contain photos of people, homes, events, etc. that have impacted you. It can also contain certificates, awards, degrees, and anything else you are proud of! Think of this as a scrapbook of your life’s journey! Enlist the help of family and friends if you need!
See this VIDEO of Jennifer talking about how her life book helps with her dementia
Need some inspiration? HERE is a list of possible things to include in your Life Book to get started!
Archives
For the Person with Dementia (Archives)
Here’s the past activity suggestions to help connect with people with Dementia
Tips & Suggestions to Keep your Loved One Engaged
Staying active and engaged is beneficial for both physical and cognitive health. Some activities have proven to be particularly helpful for those with dementia, such as games, exercise & outdoor activities, music and art, and much more. This website has rounded up 50 tips from caregivers, memory care facilities, dementia experts, and others who have
Click HERE to see tips and activities!
Major League Baseball Guessing Game!
Though we cannot watch America’s pastime on TV, we can still enjoy some games involving the teams. Try to guess the city and name of the MLB team using only the logo. Some are easy, but some are more challenging. (Don’t worry—the answer key is attached!)
Click HERE to get the worksheet!
Libbie’s Sit & Be Fit
For those of you who know Libbie Miller, you know she hosts a weekly (mostly) seated exercise class at the ADRC. She is careful to choose moves that are safe and manageable for most people with arthritis. Exercise can benefit not only caregivers, but those with dementia, too!
Click HERE to get to the Sit & Be Fit YouTube video.
Old Time Radio Apps
Looking to groove to some nostalgic tunes? Install one of these free apps on your phone or tablet to listen to old-time radio shows! Burns and Allen, Abbott & Costello, War of the Worlds, etc. You not only get the radio talk and song styles, these apps also include the commercials of the time as well!
For Apple phones and tablets, click HERE to download the app “OTR Streamer.”
For Android/Google phones and tablets, click HERE to download the app “Old Time Radio Player.”
San Diego Zoo LIVE
Observe and discuss animals at the San Diego Zoo using their live video feeds. Giraffes, elephants, and apes—oh my! Enjoy these live stream videos of what’s happening at this very minute! Choose your favorite animal to watch, or browse through lots of different animals!
Click HERE to get the live cameras!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. Click a story or collection to learn more about a specific exhibit or to see pictures of art from that type of material.
Click HERE to explore The Met!
Creating a Life Book/Memory Book
A Life Book, sometimes called a Memory Book, can be helpful in not only documenting your life’s journey and your most important accomplishments and memories, but it can serve as a tool to help you reminisce and bring up positive memories over time. Many Life Books start at the beginning of your life, for example, with a picture of you as a baby or of the house you grew up in. Life Books can contain photos of people, homes, events, etc. that have impacted you. It can also contain certificates, awards, degrees, and anything else you are proud of! Think of this as a scrapbook of your life’s journey! Enlist the help of family and friends if you need!
See this VIDEO of Jennifer talking about how her life book helps with her dementia
Need some inspiration? HERE is a list of possible things to include in your Life Book to get started!
Have an event you want featured?
Do you or your organization have virtual events or support for people with dementia and their caregivers? We want to share it in our weekly newsletter during this COVID-19 pandemic!
Staying connected and supported will help us get through this together!
Email your virtual event or support information to anne.zieglmeier@browncountywi.gov.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to people with dementia and their caregivers during this challenging time!