Healthy Brain Coalition
Dementia Friendly Monroe County
To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors!
Vision
Healthy Brain Coalition - Dementia Friendly Monroe County is a group of healthcare professionals, community members, & advocates for senior health & wellness who support Wisconsin's statewide efforts to improve the lives of those living in our communities who suffer from dementia related illnesses. Brain Health should be proactive, not reactive.
Health department officials said dementia-friendly communities are places where individuals with dementia are able to live as independently as possible, continue to be part of their communities, are met with understanding and given support when necessary. Additionally, dementia-friendly communities build infrastructure to support and provide services to individuals with dementia.
With the aging population, the number of individuals with dementia in the community is expected to grow. In 2015, 16 percent of Monroe County residents were age 65 or older. By 2020, it is estimated that nearly 30 percent of county residents will be the 65 and older with that proportion remaining until year 2040.
The Helen Daniels Bader Fund, a Bader Philanthropy in Milwaukee, provided a grant that helped make the Healthy Brain Coalition - Dementia Friendly Monroe County a reality.
Our Mission!
"Supporting communities through collaborative partnerships, raising awareness of dementia and brain health, providing education, and encouraging community engagement to enhance quality of life."
Our Goals
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Raise awareness & develop respect & inclusion for people with dementia
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Embed services & resources in all areas of the community to ensure meaningful access & quality of life
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Support & educate people with dementia, their care partners & families from diagnosis through progression
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Promote meaningful engagement in community life
Resources that assist in building a dementia-friendly community.
monroe county lifesaver project
A premier search & rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies, & is strategically designed for "at risk" individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering.
Project Lifesaver
Primary mission is to provide timely response to save lives & reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition.
The mission of Monroe County Project Lifesaver is to implement the program through screening of potential individuals, providing community education & implementing fundraising to assist those in need of Project Lifesaver.
monroe county purple tube project
Provide quick access to information needed in the event of a medical or behavioral emergency for First Responders, EMS, Law Enforcement & other caregivers.
Purple Tube Project
includes:
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safety plan for medical or behavioral emergencies for those with dementia
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brief medical history
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reminder to include a medication list
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emergency & non-emergency contacts
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release of information so context can be shared with First Responders, Emergency rooms & Crisis Personnel
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updated photos
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copy of the patient's healthcare power of attorney
This allows authorities to respond appropriately & having this information is a great starting point.
memory connection kits
Music & Memory Programs
The moderate to late stages of Alzheimer's disease can leave caregivers & persons with dementia wondering how to fill their time with meaningful activities. The Wilton Public Library with the support of the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Monroe County have created 6 kits.
Memory Connection Kits engage the person with dementia and include:
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toys
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games
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puzzles
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books
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music
Activities may facilitate meaningful conversation & interactions between a caregiver, family members, friends & the person with dementia.
They also serve as a source of respite for the caregiver as many activities will allow the care receiver to engage in them individually.
support groups
You are not alone as your communities are here with support for those suffering from dementia related illnesses.
Monroe County Caregiver Support Program
Providing a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. We offer peer or professionally led groups for caregivers or individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. All Support Groups are facilitated by trained individuals.
Alzheimer's Family & Caregiver Support Program
Created in response to the stress & needs of families caring at home for someone with irreversible dementia.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Offers respite, information, support & other resources to family caregivers.
Dementia Support Group
For caregivers of individuals diagnosed with dementia. Sessions provide information, support & camaraderie.
The Dice Approach
A tool that caregivers can use to understand & respond to a variety of situations that occur when providing daily care to someone with dementia.