Local communities continue to work towards becoming dementia-friendly
A.C.E. coordinators in Cottonwood, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Redwood, and Rock counties continue to work on three main objectives related to memory loss and/or dementia: 1) Bringing awareness to all communities about dementia, 2) Promoting early identification of memory loss and indicators of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, 3) Providing Caregivers (of persons with dementia) with resources and information to help themselves remain healthy which in turn allows them to continue to care for their loved one.
MBA Announces 2019-2020 Dementia Grant award to A.C.E. of SW Minnesota
Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia affect a large and growing number of Minnesotans, but help is on the way for some of the organizations that support them. Eleven organizations have received $750,000 in grants to help meet the needs of both individuals with dementia and those who care for them. The funds were appropriated by the Legislature and awarded by the Minnesota Board on Aging.
Activities planned include memory screenings, collaborations with health care providers to improve referrals and culturally responsive trainings. Several organizations are offering Dementia Friends training, designed to change the way community members think, act and talk about dementia.
The grants are being announced in conjunction with National Family Caregivers Month in November. This year’s theme is “Be Care Curious,” which empowers caregivers to ask questions and reminds them that knowledge is power.
“These funds support not only people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia but their family and friends, who play such a critical role in caregiving,” said Kari Benson, executive director of the Minnesota Board on Aging. “Alzheimer’s alone impacts some 91,000 Minnesotans over age 65, a number that continues to grow, and more than 254,000 people who provide care informally.”
- A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota, Slayton – awarded $72,900 for Dementia Friends training, virtual aging and dementia experience trainings and dementia-specific educational plays in Cottonwood, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Redwood, and Rock counties.
Next event, hosted by all of A.C.E. of SW Minnesota’s Dementia Awareness Networks:
Upcoming Alzheimer’s – Dementia Trainings & Events
For more information on the services and programs being offered by A.C.E. please contact the A.C.E. Coordinator in your county:
Cottonwood County A.C.E. Coordinator – Brenda Skrove (507)831-1803 ace.cottonwood@co.cottonwood.mn.us
Lincoln County A.C.E. Coordinator – Jody Hexem (507)829-0780 ace.lincoln@co.lincoln.mn.us
Lyon County A.C.E. Coordinator – Rebekah Reynolds (507)532-1326 ace.lyon@co.lyon.mn.us
Murray County A.C.E. Coordinator – Joyce Wiekeraad (507)836-8705 ace.aging@co.murray.mn.us
Nobles County A.C.E. Coordinator – Joanne Bartosh (507)295-5262 ace.nobles@co.nobles.mn.us
Redwood County A.C.E. Coordinator – Ann LeBrun (507)627-1016 ace.redwood@co.murray.mn.us
Rock County A.C.E. Coordinator – Linda Wenzel (507)283-5064 ace.rock@co.rock.mn.us
A.C.E. Executive Director – Michelle Baumhoefner (507)360-4205 ace.director@co.murray.mn.us
ACT on Alzheimer’s Newsletters
Upcoming Dementia Friends Training Sessions
ACT on Alzheimer’s Grant
Redwood Falls, now in the final phase of a community readiness process to create a dementia-friendly environment, has received a grant through ACT on Alzheimer’s to help implement priorities set by the community.
Redwood Falls is one of 34 action communities throughout the state working to prepare Minnesota for the growing number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia’s. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are 89,000 Minnesotans age 65 and older with the disease and thousands more with other dementia’s. The disease also touches nearly 250,000 family members and friends who are caregivers.
Through a survey and assessment process, the community set several priorities. These are:
- Create a community resource brochure
- Offer information/education to local businesses
- Create and distribute a monthly e-mail newsletter
- Participate in a monthly local radio interview and write a monthly local newspaper article
- Provide in-person dementia training and ACT resources to health care providers.
- Hold a Fall Education Event – https://aceswmn.org/event/dementiacaregiver-education-event/
Watch for more details in the coming months.
More information is available at http://www.actonalz.org/redwood_falls
