Greendale Accepted to Nationwide Network of Dementia Friendly Communities! 
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.

In an effort to keep everyone who is interested in this undertaking informed, we will be developing a Dementia Newsletter which we hope to publish monthly with timely, important and interesting information.  The e-list is open to everyone.   Please add your name and email address to our growing email list at http://bit.ly/dfgreendalenewsletter, or, if you do not use email, call the health department at (414) 423-2110 to share your address and have the newsletter mailed to you. 

Click HERE to sign up for the dementia newsletter 
Click HERE to read the first edition (April 2021) of the newsletter
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 sign up for the October 2021 Newsletter 
Click HERE to sign up for the Nov/Dec 2021 Newsletter 

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Click HERE to access the Greendale Dementia Resource Guide

2021 Events:

Save the Date For November 16th 2021
You are invited to a special presentation during National Family Caregivers Month:
Person-Centered Care for Families presented by Beth Meyer-Arnold, RN, MS, nurse, author, nationally-known consultant, coach, and mentor
When: Tuesday, 11/16 6:00-7:30 PM
Where: Historic Hose Tower in Greendale (5699 Parking St.)
This interactive presentation will provide information about mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, ideas for things you can do, practical ideas for managing the changes ahead, and suggestions for staying in control of your life as cognitive impairment becomes a part of it. This educational opportunity is free but registration is required. Email or call the Greendale Health Department: 414-423-2110 | greendalehealth@greendale.org



Wisconsin Department of Health Services Dementia Care Specialist Program Webinars:
January 13: Social Isolation
February 10: Intimacy and Relationship Change
March 10: Incontinence Management 
April 14: Care Transitions
May 12: Building a Support Network
June 9: Safety Planning
July 14: Driving
August 11: Grief
September 8: Palliative Care
October 13: Family Conflict and Changes in Social Support
November 10: Non-Pharmacological Approaches: Part 1
December 8: Non-Pharmacological Approaches: Part 2
Register for an upcoming webinar or watch a recording of any you missed here: Dementia Care Specialist Program | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

 Access the Health Department Event Calendar HERE for upcoming opportunities

ABOUT DEMENTIA  

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. 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: Common Types of Dementia, What is Alzheimer's?

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. 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's 
 
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 part of their communities.
• Are met the understanding.
• Are given support where necessary. 

For more information on Alzheimer's Disease and local opportunities go to:
http://www.alz.org/about_us_about_us_.asp

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

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Music and Memory Program provides free, personalized music for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and/or other dementias.  Health Department staff meet with an individual and their family about the type of music the individual enjoys listening to.  Once selected, staff then load the music onto a device and share the device with the individual to use at home.  Contact the Greendale Health Department at 414-423-2110 if interested in learning more about this program.

The group was formed as part of the Greendale Health Department Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).  We welcome your input and suggestions-please send to greendalehealth@greendale.org or call 414-423-2110.

 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: http://lovethyneighborfoundation.org/ 

Click the link below to view the National Council on Aging - "6 Steps to Prevent a Fall" video 
https://bit.ly/33CP7dI

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**DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, IN-PERSON MEETINGS ARE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE**

Southwestern Milwaukee County Caregiver Groups