The mission of the Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) Program is to support people with dementia and their caregivers in order to ensure the highest quality of life possible while living at home. In order to accomplish this mission, the dementia care specialists (DCS) have three goals:
- Train staff at the ADRC and other county and municipal offices to assist local systems to become dementia-capable.
- Help communities become dementia-friendly where people with dementia can remain active and safe, and caregivers can feel supported by their community.
- Provide education and support to people with memory concerns or dementia and their families to allow them to live at home safely
If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s memory, or want to establish baseline information of a person’s cognition, contact the DCS for a free memory screening. A memory screen can identify early memory or cognitive changes and the DCS can assist with suggestions for follow up as appropriate.
For more information on the services provided by the DCS or to request a memory screen, please contact the ADRC of Buffalo and Pepin Counties at (866) 578-2372 or check out our Living Well with Dementia Care brochure and Dementia Care Resource Guide for Buffalo and Pepin Counties!
DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST CALENDAR

Memory Café's
What is a Memory Café?
A Memory Café is a gathering where adults can join to share thoughts and experiences. Memory Cafés are for persons who are concerned about memory loss, as well as for those who are interested in promoting life-long learning and engaging in brain-healthy activities. How can Memory Café's help people with dementia and their caregivers? Click here to find out!
- Memory Cafés are great places to engage with others in warm and welcoming environments.
- Memory Cafés are free and hosted in locations which are easily accessible. Coffee and refreshments are served.
- Activities planned monthly!
January 2023 February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023
DEMENTIA EDUCATION
COMMUNITY TRAININGS
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION VIDEO's
Dementia 101 Lunch and Learn
Dementia 201 Lunch and Learn
Brain Health Lunch and Learn
Caregiver Burnout
Dementia Friends
CAREGIVER RESOURCES
Purple Tube Project
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Buffalo and Pepin Counties is collaborating with law enforcement, EMS, and our county wide Dementia Friendly Community Network on a new safety program called the Purple Tube Project. It provides first responders with information to assist in wandering or crisis calls involving community members with dementia, autism, or other cognitive impairments that may cause them to have communication barriers. The information provided will assist first responders in better understanding the background of and positive response methods for individuals who are registered. This person-centered approach allows first responders to better serve those registered and their families and increases safety for all involved.
Purple Tube Project Training Video for EMS, FD, PD, Crisis Personnel

Caregiver Book Club
Grab your lunch and join us for a virtual support and resource group where family caregivers of loved ones living with Dementia can learn and grow and support each other through their caregiver journey. We will have fifteen minute education topics rele-vant to caregiving with the remainder of the hour focused on discussion and conversation to support each other’s caregiving roles. For more information and to register for the Zoom link and call passcode call 715-279-7870 or email klongmire@co.pepin.wi.us.
The Third Thursday of the month
11:30am-12:30pm
CALL/EMAIL TODAY
TO REGISTER!!

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (evidence based program)
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a class series that supports caregivers in taking care of yourself while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. Six classes held once a week are led by experienced class leaders. Class participants are given The Caregiver Helpbook to accompany the class and provide additional caregiver resources.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Program brochure and history.
Call 715-279-7870 to register!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES and EDUCATION FOR CAREGIVERS
Caregiver Assistance Programs
Trualta-Caregiver education
Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Caregiving
Careblazers
GWAAR
For more information on the services provided by the DCS or to request a memory screen, please contact the ADRC of Buffalo and Pepin Counties
at (866) 578-2372 or 715-279-7870.
