ADRC Community Resource Fair – This annual event, hosted by the ADRC and Adult Protective Services Unit of Buffalo and Pepin Counties, offers guest speakers and a variety of vendor resources, intended to aid persons who are aging and/or living with a disability, as well as their caregivers. The location of this summer-time event changes each year.

Awareness Cards for Persons with Dementia - Make everyday outings a bit easier by carrying these small 'wallet cards' which read: "I am living with dementia and may require an extra moment or helping hand. Thank you for your patience and kindness." (Note: Cards may be customized to your preference.) These cards discreetly notify others that you may need additional time or assistance to complete a transaction or carry out a specific task. 

Awareness Cards for Caregivers – Enjoy everyday outings with the support of Awareness Cards. These small ‘wallet cards’ read: “My loved one lives with dementia. We appreciate your patience and kindness.” This can alert community members to your loved one’s care needs, in a discreet manner. Also available are cards which read: "My loved one has dementia and sometimes say or does things that are unexpected. Thank you for understanding!" 

Brain Health 101 - A presentation which offers current information related to promoting and maintaining brain health. Subtopics include diet, physical activity, cognitive (brain) exercises, and more! 

Brain Health Check-Ups – Free and quick brain health check-ups, used as a tool to identify changes in memory or cognition. All screenings are confidential. 

Dementia Caregiver Support Gatherings – Monthly gatherings for caregivers of persons with dementia. Participants are able to build support networks with other local caregivers who understand the journey of caregiving.

        (1) Meetings take place at the Mondovi Public Library, on the fourth Thursday of each month, from 10:00-11:30am.

        (2) Meetings will take place at the Pepin Public Library, on the first Tuesday of each month, from 10:00-11:30am. **BEGINNING APRIL 2025**

Dementia Live (DL) - DL is a hands-on, dementia simulation.  This experience is for persons looking to better understand what it’s like to live with the sensory deficits of dementia.

Home Visits – A Dementia Care Specialist can provide home visits to family caregivers and persons living with dementia, to provide recommendations and resources that are relevant to their needs. 

Memory Cafés – Cafés are social gatherings for persons living with dementia, as well as persons interested in brain-healthy activities and life-long learning. Each café offers a program or activity that is enlightening and fun. No registration required.

        (1) The Coffee and Conversation Café takes place on the second Thursday of each month, from 11:00am-12:00pm at Wings Over Alma, 110 N Main St, Alma.

        (2) Meaningful Connections Café will take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 11:00am- 12:00pm at the Riverview Community Center, 606 W Madison St, Durand. **BEGINNING APRIL 2025**

Savvy Caregiver Training – This is an evidenced-based program, attended by caregivers once weekly, for six weeks. Each meeting lasts two hours. Caregivers are able to learn new skills and strategies to care for their loved ones with dementia. **COMING SPRING OF 2025**

Project Lifesaver (PLS) – PLS is a program intended to promote the safety of persons with dementia who commonly wander. As part of the program, individuals wear a transmitter, about the size of a watch face, which allows first responders to locate them using radio waves. This program is available for Pepin County residents only.

Purple Tube Project (PTP) – PTP is a collaborative effort between the ADRC and local law enforcement, to support community members living with dementia. The purpose of the program is to improve a potential crisis/emergency response by first responders. Person-centered information is gathered and stored in the home of a person living with dementia. This information is then made available to first responders if ever needed. Purple Tube Project Training Video for EMS, FD, PD, Crisis Personnel

Two Rivers Connection Newsletter – Subscribe to this monthly newsletter to learn about ADRC events and opportunities. Enjoy educational articles and explore programming and resources available within Buffalo and Pepin Counties.  

Dementia Careblazers - Your place for everything dementia- Careblazers TV (youtube.com)

Natali Edmonds is a board-certified Geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers. On her YouTube channel, Natali provides education regarding dementia and caregiving. She speaks of her exploration of effective, creative, and compassionate approaches to dementia care.

Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care - Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care - YouTube

Teepa Snow is a globally known Dementia Care Specialist and developer of the Positive Approach to Care (PAC). On her YouTube channel, Teepa provides education regarding dementia, behavior changes resulting from dementia, and how to support those living with dementia in a positive and respectful way.

James L. West Center for Dementia – James L. West Center for Dementia Care - YouTube

James L. West is a faith-inspired, nonprofit organization serving persons impacted by dementia. It offers personalized, innovative care and support to families, as well as specialized education for caregivers and community members.

Trualta - Trualta - Family Caregiver Education and Support Platform

Trualta is a web-based platform which empowers caregivers through education, peer support, and coaching. Create an account to access videos, written materials, workbooks, and more.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Dementia Care: Online Training for Family Caregivers | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

WI DHS offers a 90-minute training video to caregivers of persons living with dementia. The video offers information about dementia, strategies for caregiving, and self-care.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - RESOURCES - Office of Rural Health (va.gov)

Veterans Affairs offers a free video series related to dementia caregiving. Topics include Improving Communication, Intimacy, Preventing Financial Mismanagement, Minimizing Inappropriate Behavior, Recognizing and Managing Pain, Engaging in Meaningful Activities, and MANY MORE.

UW Oshkosh: Dementia-Capable Wisconsin - Learning Center (uwosh.edu)

OW Oshkosh offers a series of online and classroom-style courses related to dementia and caregiving. Courses range from introductory level, to advanced level. A no-cost 20 minute introductory course is provided at no cost. Additional courses require a fee.

Caregiver Teleconnection - Caregiver Teleconnection (wellmedcharitablefoundation.org)

The Caregiver Teleconnection program offers one-hour conference calls, at no cost. Sessions cover a wide range of topics related to dementia, caregiving, advanced planning, and more. Ask questions and receive expert advice, as well as engage with others who are serving in a caregiving role. 

DICE Approach - Training | The DICE Approach. 

This is a no-cost training that aims to help caregivers manage the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The goal of this program is to target the underlying causes of symptoms and create a plan to resolve or reduce them.  

Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW) - Respite Care Association of WisconsinRespite Services | RCAW | Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (respitecarewi.org)

RCAW provides information related to respite care, as well as maintains a state-wide respite caregiver registry. RCAW also offers grants to families in need of respite care funding.

24/7 Alzheimer's Helpline - The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline is available to individuals and families and offers free support, resources, and dementia-related information. Dial 1-800-272-3900.

Caregiver Outreach Program - 211 Wisconsin, in partnership with AAPR, offers direct one-on-one connection with a 211 information and referral specialist for up to 10 weeks, as well as phone conversations with supportive listening, referrals to resources, and follow-up calls to discuss additional needs. Dial 1-833-572-1599 and request the Caregiver Outreach Program.

Friendly Voice Program - AARP offers the Friendly Voice Program to persons who experience isolation and loneliness. Participants are able to speak with a trained, caring volunteer who is ready to chat, listen, or just say hello. Dial 1-888-281-0145 any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

VA Caregiver Support Line - The VA National Caregiver Support Line offers information and support related to dementia and caregiving to caregivers, family, friends, and persons with dementia. Dial 1-855-260-3274.

VA Caregiver Support Line: Education Group Calls - The VA Caregiver Support Line offers free, monthly, one-hour telephone education calls for caregivers. Caregivers are able to learn about communication skills, building relationships and connections, self-care, and more. Caregiver Support Line (CSL) - Monthly Educational Calls/Podcasts - VA Caregiver Support Program

Winona Health Telecare Service - This no-cost Telecare Service allows for people who live alone to receive daily phone calls from Winona Health volunteers. It offers a way for people to remain connected and hear a friendly voice each day. Participants are not required to be patients of Winona Health. Call 507-457-4342 for more information and to request enrollment.

Alzheimer's Association Support Group - A virtual support group for persons living with MCI or early-stage dementia, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin. Meets virtually (or by phone) on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month, from 10-11:30am. Call to register: 1-800-272-3900.

Conversations - A virtual support group for persons living with MCI or early-stage dementia, hosted on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of each month, from 10:30am-12:00pm. To register, contact Rob Griesel at rgriesel@co.dodge.wi.us

Evening Conversations for Caregivers - A virtual dementia caregiver support group, hosted in the evening hours to better accommodate working caregivers. Events take place every Thursday evening, from 7:30pm-8:30pm. To register, contact Teresa Gander at gander@vernoncounty.org

Memory Loss Support Group - An in-person support group for caregivers and persons living with dementia (PLWD). Caregivers and PLWD spend time meeting together and then separate into two groups for further discussion. Events take place on the last Wednesday of each month, from 1:30pm-3:00pm, at Lake Street Methodist Church (337 Lake St., Eau Claire). Contact the ADRC of Eau Claire County at adrc@eauclairecounty.gov or 888-338-4636.

Men’s Group - An in-person social gathering for men who are caregiving for persons living with dementia. Coffee, support, and education are provided. Events are free and hosted by the ADRC of Eau Claire County. Events take place on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of each month, from 11:00am-12:00pm, at Peace Lutheran Church (501 E Fillmore Ave, Eau Claire) To register, contact Bob Vogler at beevee6610@gmail.com or 414-378-2114.

Monday DISH - A virtual dementia caregiver support group, hosted in the evening hours to better accommodate working caregivers. Events take place on the first Monday of each month, from 7:00pm-8:00pm. To register, contact Carla Berscheit at cberscheit@chippewacountywi.gov or 715-726-7777.

Forget Me Notes Choir - A no-cost, dementia-friendly choir located in Winona, MN, welcoming of all people regardless of musical ability. Rehearsals take place at Sobieski Lodge (Winona). Contact Lori Paulson at 507-454-7369.

North American Squirrel Association - Non Profit Organization | People with Disabilities | Senior Activities (nasasquirrel.org) Offers no-cost programming to folks in Western Wisconsin who are living with physical or developmental disabilities, as well as those living with dementia. Events and activities include fishing, pontoon rides, water and snow skiing, range shooting, golf, and more. Events and activities are modified per participants’ physical and cognitive abilities. Events take place in the Holmen, Onalaska, and Tomah communities.

Reminiscing on the Ranch - Equine Services | Trinity EC (trinity-ec.com) A no-cost program hosted by Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, which offers enrichment through direct equine exposure. This program allows persons with dementia and their caregivers to enjoy horses through care taking and brushing, as well as through volunteer-led demonstrations. Email equineservices@trinity-ec.com or call 715-835-4530.

Stand in the Light Memory Choir - Home | Stand in the Light (standinthelightmemorychoir.org) A program that uses the power of singing to move people with early to mid-stages of memory loss and their care partners to rediscover themselves, make friends, laugh together, and contribute to their community. Rehearsals take place at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard (Eau Claire). The program offers in-person and virtual options. A $30 registration fee applies. Email standinthelightchoir@gmail.com or call 715-210-4165.