Lori La Bey the host and founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio interviews Jay Benedict, Outreach and Sales Director for Cherrywood Pointe, an Ebenezer managed property. This new community is located in Roseville, MN just off Lexington Ave just north of County Road C. Jay will discuss a unique support group called “Connections” he created in 2015, for those with memory loss and their care partners which meets monthly. He also is an active member of the Roseville Alzheimer’s and Dementia Community Action Team, which is a grassroots effort making a big impact in it’s community as well as surrounding neighborhoods. Jay has also worked closely with the Ramsey county library to bring the new dementia support system and tools called, “Memory Minders.” Carol Jackson with the library has been leading this cause. Jay is also working with his community and the Fire Department with a new virtual tool they have developed.
“Feedback from the conference planning committee and our leadership team was extremely positive. Many attendees commented that she was one of the best speakers they had heard.”
Pat Sylvia, Director of Education & Member Development LeadingAge Washington
Memory Minders are specially created for caregivers
caring for people experiencing memory loss
The materials in these kits are specifically selected to spark memories, create conversation and provide positive and engaging interactions between people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and their care partners. The kits are divided into high, middle and low activity levels.
Each Memory Minder kit is uniqueand features an interactive activity for use with those with memory loss (such as a puzzle, bingo, games or conversation cards), a book with colorful illustrations created for individuals with memory loss, a cd with music to soothe and spark memory, and A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia by Laura Gitlin, which explores the use of activities and other techniques to prevent, reduce and otherwise manage the behavioral symptoms of dementia.
The Memory Minder Kits are available at the Ramsey County Library in Roseville and Shoreview, and be checked out for three weeks. The kits are renewable and requestable via the library’s catalog at www.rclreads.org.
These kits were created out of a unique partnership between:
Ramsey County Library, Roseville Alzheimer’s & Demential Community Action Team, and sponsorships by Cherrywood Pointe, Lyngblomsten, Sunrise Senior Living, New Perspectives Senior Living, and the Friends of Ramsey County Library.
On April 23rd, the City of Roseville, along with the Roseville Alzheimer’s & Dementia Community Action Team (Rsvl A/D) and the Roseville Act on Alzheimer’s Project had their kick off event to highlight all they are doing to improve the lives of those dealing with dementia. Roseville A/D was formed as a grassroots initiative in September of 2013 and in 2014 they received two grants through the ACT on Alzheimer’s organization to further their mission.
The kickoff meeting held a packed house along with media gathered to listen to a two hour presentation which featured information and resources from three primary groups – Government Officials, City Staff and Community Connections.
Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer’s Speak was the MC for the event. She grew up in Roseville and her own mother lived with dementia over thirty years. She is also one of the international ambassadors for the Purple Angel project, which is the new global symbol for dementia. Everyone can help spread awareness of dementia by using this symbol. It costs no money and takes very little time, but has a powerful impact.
Sara also highlighted all the dedicated page for Alzheimer’s and Dementia on the city website which has great resources for those living in Roseville and surrounding areas. Sara also highlighted the new educational series that was launched.
Series of Expert Talks about Alzheimer’s is April 28 to May 21
A series of eight programs in Roseville by local experts on Alzheimer’s disease and on effective caregiving will be held April 28 to May 21. Programs will address normal aging, how dementia affects the brain and other topics that help people better understand diseases that cause memory loss.
All talks are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
The talks on Tuesdays will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Fairview Community Center, 1910 County Road B West, with information about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Topics will be Healthy Brain; Dementia vs. Normal Aging; Virtual Dementia Tour; and Dementia-Friendly ACTion Steps.
Talks on Thursdays will be 1-2:30 p.m. at Roseville City Hall, 2660 Civic Center Drive, aimed at helping caregivers and friends offer effective support for people with dementia. Topics will be Senior Gems/How Dementia Affects the Brain; Practical Tips for Avoiding Power Struggles; Becoming an Alzheimer’s Whisperer; and Caregiver Stress/Burnout.
For details, go to http://www.cityofroseville.com/dementiainfo A second series of eight talks will be presented in October, with four films about Alzheimer’s issues to be shown on Sundays, two in September and two in November.
Next we heard from government representatives were: Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Al Franken, Representative – Betty McCollum, Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire and Roseville’s Mayor Dan Roe.
Above are representatives of Roseville’s staff: City Manager – Pat Trudgeon, Fire Inspector & Firefighter – Sam Baker, from the Police Department Corey Yunke – Community Relations Coordinator and Erika Scheider – Police Lieutenant.
The Fire Department shared the “Vial of Life” which is for emergency contacts and healthcare information. You can contact the Fire Dept if you are interested in receiving one if you were not able to attend the kickoff meeting.
The police encouraged people to register their loved ones with 911.
Pat Trudgeon, announced the City is committed to becoming Dementia Aware and joining the Purple Angel project.
A recording of this event will air on Roseville Channel 16 on Friday May 1 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m. plus two additional times during the month. It is also listed on CTV page for viewing listed at the bottom of this article.
Our representatives from the community were: Janell Wampler – Roseville Area Schools & Senior Program, Deb Nygaard – Arthur’s Residential & J. Arthur’s Coffee Shop, Lori La Bey – Alzheimer’s Speaks, Carolyn Klaver – Lyngblomsten & The Gathering and Catherine Engstrom – Wilder Foundations & PS I Understand.
Janell informed us of a variety of services the school district and senior center have for those residing in Roseville.
Deb Nygaard shared how Arthur’s Residential & J. Arthur’s Coffee Shop have become dementia friendly and how that has effected their organizations, as well as families they serve and the community at large. Arthur’s also sponsors three Memory Cafe held on the 2nd an 4th Wednesday of each month and have been a big success for those diagnosed with dementia as well as their care partners.
Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks shared a video which featured three families living with dementia. Each shared critical insights about life with dementia and how important it is for communities and businesses to become dementia aware and friendly. Below is the video.
For the feature story done by Channel 5, ABC News Click Here
The ACT on Alzheimer’s project was developed by the Roseville Alzheimer’s and Dementia Community Action Team, a volunteer collaboration of local residents, senior services and city officials. Roseville A/D has offered additional projects, including a guide to local resources, services and events available on the City of Roseville at http://www.cityofroseville.com/dementiainfo
You could make a difference for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
HealthStar Home Health to Hold FREEMemory Screenings at J. Arthur’s Coffee in Roseville, Minnesota.
After screening 2,200 participants at the MN State Fair, it’s clear, people are concerned about memory loss. Face-to-face memory screenings average five minutes and consist of questions and tasks to assess memory. Individuals can take advantage of free, confidential memory screenings provided by HealthStar Home Health, as part of raising community awareness and providing public education on Alzheimer’s and dementia.
HealthStar & the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America encourages screenings for adults with memory concerns, a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or those who want to check their memory now and have the results for future comparison. Warning signs of dementia include forgetting people’s names/events, asking repetitive questions, and confusion over daily routines.
FREE Screenings to be held Tuesday, November 18
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
J. Arthur’s Coffee Shop,
2441 Rice Street, Roseville, MN 55113.
As many as 70% of families affected by dementia are choosing to keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible, while managing the different stages. Family and caregiver burnout rises dramatically when faced with this disease. HealthStar’s Alzheimer’s & Dementia program provides both in and out of home support to families and caregivers dealing with challenging behaviors associated with the disease. Changes in healthcare, due to high prevalence, allow our nursing experts to provide training, education and non-pharmacologic behavior assistance in the home, which is 100% covered by traditional Medicare and most insurance plans. Memory loss screenings are the first step toward detection and treatment.
Learn More About HealthStar Home Health by Clicking Below
For Additional Locations for Memory Screenings check Out
Dementia-Friendly Books Offering Simple Story Lines
Get Your Alzheimer’s Stamps!
AARP MN 50 Over 50
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National Institute for Dementia Education
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