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 Statewide, Working Together on the Impacts of Alzheimer's
September 30, 2013   
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Partner Stories

 

Envisioning a world without Alzheimer's

 

One organization in our region clearly understands the critical work associated with Alzheimer's disease because it's their day-to-day focus and vision. "Alzheimer's is a public health crisis," said Susan Spalding, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. "As a financial supporter and hands-on partner with ACT on Alzheimer's, the Association values the impact of the collaborative work being done to change the path of Alzheimer's disease."

 

The Alzheimer's Association has committed $35,000 to our work in 2014 and, pending board approval, will commit the same in 2015. The Association sees the impact firsthand. "ACT's goal of creating dementia-capable communities has created greater awareness in Minnesota and driven individuals and families to access the Association's resources for the first time," said Spalding. "The future work of our collaborative is uniquely blended," she continued, "In our next strategic plan, we will continue to focus on the goals of increasing awareness and concern and enhancing care and support. Everything ACT on Alzheimer's does is moving the Association forward in achieving these goals and our vision of a world without Alzheimer's."

 

Learn more about the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota and their community resources for people with dementia.

Resources and Tools

 

Dementia training resource aids quality assurance goals

 

The ACT on Alzheimer's comprehensive grid of dementia training options for direct care staff is a resource that brings value to organizations seeking best practices in preparing staff who work in dementia care settings.

 

Bobbie Guidry, Director of Housing and Community Based Services, Benedictine Health System, was delighted to see the training grid on the  ACT on Alzheimer's website, because selecting a staff training platform is a priority for their facilities (in six states).  She noted, "While dementia care training is provided in our programs, we do not have a unified approach.  We want a preferred training as a quality assurance goal - a required base training that prepares all of our staff."

 

When asked about the overall usefulness of the resource, Guidry suggested, "Perhaps user feedback could be gathered over time related to training effectiveness and suggestions for best use, such as audience, basic or advanced, broad or targeted approach, and so on."  In the near term, Benedictine Health System has chosen a dementia training and are considering a train-the-trainer initiative to implement the training across their system.

 

Download the dementia training resource and share it with colleagues. Also check out our  10-module dementia curriculum

Community Spotlight

 

Willmar

 

In 2009, a small group of Willmar area providers realized there was a need for community awareness, education and support related to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. They took action, forming the West Central Dementia Awareness Network. Since then, they have held educational events and been a model for other communities.

 

As a pilot community for the ACT on Alzheimer's Dementia Capable Community Toolkit, the Willmar action team was excited to collaborate in creating a toolkit that even rural communities could use.  Team chairperson Lori Petersen said, "The toolkit's community assessment piece will help communities identify their current resources, needs and opportunities, just as it did for our Willmar community." 

 

After synthesizing their assessment results, the Willmar team is focused on providing a better understanding of the disease and available resources, providing flexible training to first responder and other entities, and providing early detection education to health care staff.

 

"Time and time again, says Petersen, I am reminded that knowledge is power!  In Willmar, a small group of people is providing the necessary spark to make a difference and impact an entire community."

 

Learn more about the Willmar Action Team and the

Leadership Groups

October Meetings
Caregivers, October 4
Subgroup: Mid-late Stage Tool Development, October 22
Leadership Council: October 31

September Meetings

Cultural/Linguistics Advisory Committee, September 30

 

Visit the Collective Action Lab for details on Leadership Groups and to access the calendar 

 

Check out BCBS news about funding our work.

Read our September 2013 progress report 

 
ACT on Alzheimer's is a volunteer-driven, statewide collaboration preparing
Minnesota for the personal, social and budgetary impacts of
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Over 60 organizations and
200 individuals have come together to ACT on Alzheimer's.
 
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