Dementia Friendly
Dementia Friendly Symbol
Stoughton Hospital works to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals affected by dementia and their caregivers. Individuals with dementia can become overwhelmed or agitated by the hospital environment of bright lights, unfamiliar areas, and strangers approaching them.
Through both environmental changes and staff training, Stoughton Hospital became the first Dementia Friendly hospital in Dane County.
The environmental changes included signs with simple language, effective lighting, simple decorations, low contrast and low shine flooring and quiet places to rest. Additionally, there’s been an emphasis on displaying artwork that invokes reminiscing.
All hospital employees participated in dementia training to learn how to best work with affected individuals and their caregivers. Staff were taught a new mindset, “I am confused, I don’t know what that person is trying to tell me,” rather than, “that person is confused.” Hospital staff are encouraged to find ways to best accommodate patients and visitors with dementia.
Stoughton Dementia Friendly Coalition
The Coalition’s goal is to meet the unique needs of people in our community with dementia by increasing awareness and understanding, sharing information about local resources, offering educational opportunities, and training businesses and organizations to respond appropriately to the needs of those with dementia and their caregivers.
If your business or organization is interested in becoming dementia friendly, please see our informational brochure for additional details.
Contacts
Heather Kleinbrook, RN
Stoughton Hospital
(608) 873-2316 or hkleinbrook@stohosp.com
Hollee Camacho
Stoughton Area Senior Center
(608) 873-8585 or hcamacho@ci.stoughton.wi.us
Stoughton Dementia Friendly Coalition
For a printable copy of these resources, please click here.
Stoughton Memory Café
A Memory Café is a place where individuals with memory loss and their care partners can get together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. It is a time and place where people can interact, laugh, find support, share concerns and celebrate without feeling embarrassed and misunderstood. The Memory Café encourages friendship and acceptance. Participants share conversation in a relaxed atmosphere that can include music, art or other forms of activity. For additional details, please click here for the Memory Cafe flyer.
Meets 1st Tuesday of the month 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Stoughton Public Library, Carnegie Room
304 S. 4th Street Stoughton, WI 53589
There are several other Memory Cafés in Dane County, please click here for a listing.
Questions? For more information contact the Stoughton Area Senior Center (608) 873-8585.
Upcoming Programs
Sponsored by the Stoughton Dementia Friendly Coalition
Safety Tips – Caring for Your Loved One With Dementia
Please join our expert panel to learn about:
• In-home safety assessments
• Medication reviews to prevent falls
• How to respond when your loved one wanders
• Wisconsin’s Silver Alert Program
• How to respond in a dementia crisis
• The First Responder Person-Centered Tool
• Key steps in making the caregiving journey smoother
Questions are encouraged!
Thursday, September 20th 10 to 11 a.m.
Stoughton Hospital
900 Ridge Street, Stoughton
Bryant Health Education Center (lower level)
This presentation is open to all members of the community.
Please click here to view flyer.
Dementia Resources
Aging & Disability Resource Center of Dane County (ADRC)
Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County (ADRC)
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin
Alzheimer’s Association
CDC – Alzheimer’s Disease
Concerned & Caring: A Memory Loss Caregiver Group
MedlinePlus – Dementia
Mind Your Risks
National Institute on Aging – Alzheimer’s
Online Training for Family Caregivers
Stoughton Area Senior Center
WEBINAR Dementia Friendly and Dementia Capable Hospitals and Clinics