Community Education: 2020 & Beyond

Valerie has been blessed to know and care for many individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementias throughout her years as a caregiver/nursing assistant but also in her personal life. She knows firsthand how dramatically these conditions can affect the lives of not only the person with the disease but those caring for them. She has been inspired to do more! 

In 2019, Valerie completed the process of becoming an Early Stage Leader for the Alzheimer's Association with the intent of hosting monthly Memory Cafes in Madison, Wisconsin. 

"A memory café is a meeting place for anyone who is experiencing beginning changes in memory. It can be a fun way to connect with others who are dealing with the same issues. The intent is for the person and their family or friends to come together in a relaxed and social environment to connect with one another. Each memory café is unique as the participants are encouraged to make it their own." -http://www.daneadrc.org/

In October of 2019, Valerie hosted her first Memory Cafe at Festival Foods in downtown Madison. The ability to interact with the community in such a profound way was humbling and exciting. Each month she met new individuals and couples that were just adjusting to their life post-diagnosis and hoping to broaden their support circle. She also met elderly community members hoping to learn more about dementia and how they could be proactive in decreasing the odds of developing dementia. Again, Valerie was inspired to do more!

At the beginning of 2020, Valerie completed an additional training to become a Community Educator for the Alzheimer's Association with the intention of leading programs throughout Dane County and Southern Wisconsin.

"Community Educators are volunteer speakers who help provide education and expand the reach of Alzheimer's Association programs. Community Educators deliver Alzheimer's Association programs on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias..." - https://volunteer.alz.org/

Little did she know how auspicious her timing was! Within days of completing her training, a Safer At Home order was issued for Wisconsin and many services of the Alzheimer's Association became virtual.

Valerie led her first program via video conference in May of 2020 and has virtual sessions scheduled through July. Currently, the programs that she leads are ...

• Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
• 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
• Healthy Living for the Brain and Body

Programs are scheduled by the Alzheimer's Association, open to the public and free to attend. Programs are led by video/phone call to provide the safest and healthiest learning environment during the pandemic. In the future, programs will resume to be led in-person, but that date is yet to be determined. The health of our participants is our highest priority. 

If you or someone you know is living with Alzheimer's or Dementia, needs support, has questions or are looking out for resources, reach out. I'd be happy to help connect you! 

#EndALZ