'We want to make them feel included' -- Dementia-friendly program returning to Portage

Feb. 24—A Columbia County organization is bringing a program back to Portage that is geared toward getting people who are living with dementia and their caregivers back into the community.

"Our objective is to foster a dementia-friendly community," said Nellie Mueller, dementia care specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Columbia County. "So it's important to have programming specifically for individuals who have memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer's. ... We want to make them feel included and an active part of our community."

The Memory Cafe will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the second Monday of each month, in rooms 2 and 3 on the ADRC side of the Health and Human Services building, 111 E. Mullett St.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (608) 742-9726.

The monthly sessions may include listening to or creating music, arts and crafts projects, singing and movement opportunities, guest speakers and entertainers, light snacks and refreshments. Most importantly, it will give attendees a period of time where they are free from talking about memory loss, said Mueller.

"This is really just a social engagement opportunity," said Mueller. "We are not going to focus on the disease or talk about it, just the socialization aspect behind it."

Along with creating a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved, Mueller said she hopes the program will offer those living with dementia a chance to relax while spending time with others who are going through similar struggles.

The sessions can be a breathe of fresh air for caregivers, who won't have to worry about any challenges or behaviors those with dementia may experience during the meeting times, Mueller said, as she will be there to help.

The first session on March 11 will incorporate a St. Patrick's Day theme. Participants will work on a craft, play Jeopardy!, and have snacks. It will also be an opportunity for people to share what they want Mueller to incorporate in sessions moving forward, she said.

"I am going to try to gear activities and engagement opportunities that will interest them," said Mueller. "I have a feeling that people are going to be very passionate about coming to this and I also feel like it will give caregivers at least one social engagement opportunity a month that they can look forward to."

While attendance is encouraged at each session, Mueller said she understands that life can be tough when two people are trying to operate on one person's schedule.

"Caregivers' lives are generally pretty hectic and they're running on someone else's schedule," said Mueller. "So I think that's also a purpose of the program. ...There needs to be a little flexibility in their lives, and I offer it."

The Memory Cafe program previously offered in Portage was run by the Dementia and Alzheimer's Alliance, a nonprofit that served Columbia, Marquette, and Sauk counties. The organization dissolved last April due to a lack of funding, said Mueller.

The program is being offered again with a donation from Magnum Media, which runs multiple radio stations in the Portage region and around the state.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Columbia County works to help adults age 60 and older, as well as adults age 18-59 with physical, developmental, mental health, substance abuse or aging issues. It also assists children with disabilities as they transition into the adult services system.

Services include information and referrals for local community resources, counseling on options to meet immediate or future care needs, assistance in applying for benefit programs such as Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid, and assistance with other health insurance, housing and health promotion programs.

The organization also offers a dementia support group in Portage, which meets the first Monday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the library, 253 W. Edgewater St., and encourages people to share their experiences dealing with loved ones who are impacted by dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

"Just like with support groups, (Memory Cafe) may be a little intimidating for people to start," said Mueller. "The first time showing up is the hardest, because people don't know what to expect, but after that it becomes easy. ... I really just want this to be fun and engaging, and have people look forward to it monthly."

For more information about Memory Cafes and the work being done to support individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers, visit the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Columbia County website, or call the ADRC at 608-742-9233.

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