Annual Report FY 2011-12 - Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of ...

Highlights of FY 2011 - 2012
The Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Alliance maintains a full range of
programs and services to assist
persons with dementia and their
family and loved ones. Here are a
few accomplishments from this fiscal
year:
Centers of Excellence
ADAW is piloting a program called
Centers of Excellence in three locations
in Dane County which clearly
defines what a “dementia expert” is
and provides the criteria to back up
that claim. To become a “Center of
Excellence” the principles from our
popular Dementia Specialist Training
must be seamlessly integrated across
every level in a professional care
setting.
This program includes in-depth
training in managing behaviors that
may be considered troubling, along
with the importance of investing the
time, training and resources in these
techniques that can have a tremendous
impact not only on patient care and
satisfaction but also on employee job
satisfaction.
Facilities that complete the training
will be awarded the distinction of
being a “Center of Excellence.” This
in turn will provide a guide by which
current and future consumers can
guide their search and be assured loved
ones are receiving the highest standard
of care.
Memory Cafés
ADAW’s strong commitment to
programming for individuals in the
early stages of memory loss took a huge
leap forward this year with the launch
of Memory Cafés in Sauk City and
Middleton–the first ever in Wisconsin.
Based on a successful model in the
Netherlands and United Kingdom,
Memory Cafés address the tendency
for people with early memory loss,
mild cognitive impairment or dementia
to isolate themselves, by providing a
place to relax and socialize without fear.
Program content is generally
participant driven. One participant
shared, “I hadn’t thought of coming
after the first time but I realized this
morning that I think I DO want to
keep coming. [We] don’t socialize
with people much anymore and this
is an opportunity for us to do so. It
was really great seeing him happy and
laughing with others.”
Chapter 51 Advocacy
As a result of the state Supreme Court’s
decision, there is a study committee
looking at the purpose and function of
Chapter 51.
Staff members Mary Salzeider and
Rob Gundermann testified before the
committee and provided real examples
of how programs like our Dementia
Support Team and Dementia Specialist
Training can help head off or even
avoid difficult behaviors that often lead
to stays in psychiatric units.
ADAW’s recommendations were
wide-ranging, and the belief is that
many of ADAW’s suggestions will be
incorporated into the new legislation.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance
of Wisconsin
517 N. Segoe Rd., Suite 301
Madison, WI 53705
608.232.3400 or 888.308.6251 toll-free
www.alzwisc.org • support@alzwisc.org
Grant/Richland Regional Offi ce
8820 Hwy 35/61 S
Lancaster, WI 53813
608.723.4288 or 888.308.6251 toll-free
Columbia/Sauk Regional Offi ce
2825 Hunters Trail
Portage, WI 53901
608.742.9055 or 888.308.6251 toll-free
Board of Directors
Gregory Allen
Mary Kay Baum, Secretary
Carey Gleason, PhD
Steve Busalacchi
Naomi Carter
Mary Ann Drescher
Mark Jensen, Vice President
Carol Koby, President
Kim Petersen, MD
Paul Pitas
Rebecca Schmidt, JD
Suzanna Waters-Castillo, PhD
Jeffrey Supple, Treasurer
Erin Keesecker, JD
Steve Zanoni
Staff
Paul Rusk, MA
Executive Director
Jessica Archiquette
Professional Training Specialist
Charlestine “Charlie” Daniel, MA
Diversity Coordinator
Becky DeBuhr, MS
Outreach Specialist
Rob Gundermann, BA
Public Policy Director
Mary Kazi, BSW, MS
AFCSP Coordinator/Family Spt. Specialist
Kristin Larson, BS
Director of Development
Jeanne McLellan, MBA
Director of Finance and Operations
Carol Olson, MA
Outreach Specialist
Joy Schmidt
Community Education Specialist
Brianna Scoville, BA
Marketing & Development Coordinator
Kira Stewart
Caregiver Program Coordinator
Danielle Thai, MSSW
Education Coordinator
Deanna Truedson, MSSW
Outreach Coordinator
Patricia Wilson, BSW
Family Support Coordinator
Annual Report 2011 - 2012
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