New and monthly programs, support, articles, and resources for people living with dementia and their care partners
New Programs
Finding Meaning and Hope
Virtual Caregiver Discussion Series
Mondays, January 27th - March 31st
2:00 - 3:30 pm
Join a group of fellow family caregivers to learn how to regain hope and build resilience when dealing with the challenges of caring for someone living with dementia or other cognitive impairment
In the Finding Meaning and Hope discussion series, you will learn skills that can help navigate your caregiving journey with healing and hope. For this virtual series, you will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone to participate
This 10-week series features videos and discussions based on the groundbreaking book, Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Grief and Loss, by Pauline Boss, Ph.D., a leading expert on caregiver grief and was developed by Duet: Partners in Health & Aging in 2017
Watch the Video Trailer here: www.MeaningandHope.org/Trailer
Register online at www.adrcevents.org, call the ADRC at 715-839-4735, or scan the QR Code. A link will be sent a week prior to the start date
Tuesdays
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lake Street Methodist Church
337 Lake Street, Eau Claire
Friends at the Lake adult day program provides music activities, brain fitness, physical activity, art activities, service projects, lunch/snacks, and more for people living with dementia and four hours of respite for the caregiver
To learn more and to reserve your spot, contact: Laurie Van Beek, 715-832-6603 or laurievb@lakestreetumc.org
Social Engagement
Social engagement is associated with a stronger immune system, boosts feelings of wellbeing, decreases feelings of depression, and improves mood Enjoy coming together for social connection, peer support, relaxed environment, laughter, and new friends Programs and classes are offered throughout the year
Social engagement programs:
Brain and Body Group Fitness (3, 12-week semesters)
Eau Claire Memory Cafe (monthly)
Four Seasons Nature Program (February, May, August, November)
Reminiscing on the Ranch (April - November)
Musical Memories
Stand in the Light Memory Choir (weekly)
Better Brain Fridays (May - August)
Boost Your Brain and Memory (7-week class on brain health)
Brain & Body Group
Fitness Program
An exercise, brain health, and social engagement program for people living with dementia and their care partners.
Mondays and Wednesdays
January 6th - March 26th
10:00 - 11:30 am Lake Street Methodist Church 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire
Register online at www.adrcevents.org, call the ADRC at 715-839-4735, or scan the QR Code.
“We first came to the Brain and Body class expecting to learn how to cope with the journey we are on given the progressive nature of my diagnosis. What we found, was a family of kind and caring people who are all traveling on a journey of their own ”
Eau Claire Memory Cafe
The Eau Claire Memory Cafe is a social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partners and provides an opportunity to enjoy a creative activity and conversation, promoting cognition, and reduce isolation and boredom.
Tuesday, January 14th 10:00 - 11:00 am Chippewa Valley Museum 1204 E Half Moon Drive, Carson Park
Forget your memory, let’s try our imagination and get those creative juices flowing! Join us for a morning of using our imagination to tell a story.
Refreshments sponsored by Village Caregiving
Click here to see the 2025 programs
Musical Memories
Musical Memories is designed to help people living with dementia find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music at NO COST.
You will be given an iPod loaded with your favorite music, a charger, and headphones for you to keep.
If you are interested in learning more about the Musical Memories program, contact Liz Nett at the Aging & Disability Resource Center, 715-839-4735 or elizabeth.nett@eauclairecounty.gov
Stand in the Light Memory Choir
People in the early to mid-stages of memory loss, their care partners, and singing volunteers come together to share their love of music!
REHEARSALS
Thursdays, 9:45 - 11:00 am January 9th - April 10th
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 1120 Cedar Street, Eau Claire
$30 registration fee
Last day for spring semester registration is January 30th.
For more information, call 715-210-4165 or standinthelightchoir@gmail.com
Check out this out: www.facebook.com/sitlchoir www.instagram.com/sitlchoir www.standinthelightmemorychoir.org
Support
The benefits of gaining support in your caregiving role are numerous and can be lifechanging for many caregivers. There are in-person and virtual support groups and classes available throughout the year
The Savvy Caregiver (6-week class)
The DICE Approach (3-week class)
Finding Meaning and Hope (10-week discussion group)
Powerful Tools for Caregiving (6-week class)
In-person and virtual support groups (weekly/monthly)
Confident Dementia Caregiver Monthly Series (May - September)
Variety of presentations throughout the county
In-Person Support Groups Virtual Support Groups
First and Third Wednesdays of the month 11:00 - Noon
Connections and coffee for men caring for a person living with dementia.
Share your experiences
Develop friendships
Learn about dementia and coping techniques
Wednesday, January 15th
Peace Lutheran Church
501 E. Fillmore Avenue, Eau Claire
Don’t delay, contact Bob today at 414-378-2114 or beevee6610@gmail.com
Memory Loss and Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Last Wednesday of the Month 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, January 29th
Lake Street Methodist Church 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire
For those living with memory loss, dementia, and care partners. Join peers who understand what you are going through for support, information, and education.
Contact Lisa at 715-839-4750 or lisa.wells@eauclairecounty.gov
Monday Coffee Connect
Every Monday, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Contact Kelsey at kflock@lacrossecounty org
Monday DISH (for working adult children)
1st Monday of the month, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Contact Scott at scott.seeger@adrc-cw.org
Circle of Support
3rd Tuesday of the month, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Contact Teresa at teresa.gander@vernoncounty.org
Evening Conversations
Every Thursday night, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Contact Teresa at teresa gander@vernoncounty org
Minds & Voices
2nd Wednesday of the month, 10:30 - 11:30 am
contact Rob at 920-386-4308 or rgriesel@co.dodge.wi.us
Lewy Body Dementia Caregiver
Support Group
2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month
1:30 - 3:30 pm
Contact Rob at rgriesel@co.dodge.wi.us
Friday Support
Every Friday morning, 9:00 - 10:00 am
Contact Karen at karen tennyson@co rock wi us
Conversations
(for those with MCI or early dementia)
1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month 10:30 am - Noon
contact Rob at rgriesel@co.dodge.wi.us
Date Savers
Boost Your Brain and Memory
7-Week Class
Tuesdays
April 1st - May 13th
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Altoona Public Library
1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona Registration opens February 1st!
Resources
APP for THAT!
Caregiver Apps for Those Caring for People Living with Dementia
A growing number of apps are designed specifically for care recipients and caregivers.
Click here for the guide
Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP)
Funds are available for qualified individuals to provide temporary caregiver respite care and purchase goods and services needed to help care for someone with irreversible dementia
Contact Lisa at 715-839-4750 or lisa.wells@eauclairecounty.gov
Helpful Websites
Careblazers with Dr. Natali Edmonds
Teepa Snow
Alzheimer’s Foundation
Alzheimer’s Association
Lewy Body Dementia Association
The Assocation for Frontemporal Degeneration
Dementia Resource Guide
Eau Claire County
WI Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Newlsetter
Dementia Care Specialist (DCS)
Questions about memory loss? Dementia? Providing care? Grief and loss? Brain health as you age? Need a presentation? Family meeting? Home visit/office appointment? Just want to chat?
Contact Lisa Wells, Dementia Care Specialist, at the Aging & Disability Resource Center today!
715-839-4750 lisa.wells@eauclairecounty.gov
Did you know there are dementia care specialists in every county (ADRC and Tribes) in the state of Wisconsin? To find your local DCS, click here
