Dementia Care Specialist

Program Contact


Sarah Prohuska


Ph: 262-284-8120
Toll Free: 866-537-4261

The Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) focuses on assisting individuals and families living with dementia, memory loss or cognitive changes to continue to be active and remain in their homes for as long as possible.  The DCS ensures that county agencies and those who provide these public services are knowledgeable about dementia and are prepared to meet the needs of the people they serve. The DCS also serves as a catalyst to create a dementia friendly community that includes businesses, employers, local organizations, etc. to help raise awareness of the unique needs of people with dementia and their families.

Cognitive Screens


If you are having concerns about memory, trouble completing tasks at home, or having issues finding the right words in a conversation, having a cognitive screen may be a good place to start.  A cognitive screen is a brief test used to assess for changes in memory and cognition.  It is informational not diagnostic.  Screens are provided for free at the ADRC or a location of your choice.  The specialist can then talk with you and others of your choosing on how to proceed with the information gained through the screen.  

The Dementia Care Specialist will:

 
  • Assess your situation and discuss your concerns.
  • Help you and your family understand Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and how the disease may progress over time.  
  • Work with you and your family on developing a plan that supports you.
  • Discuss strategies to help reduce stress.
  • Assist you in accessing community resources and supportive services.

Dementia Friendly Communities

1 in 9 adult the age of 65 has Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia according to the 2014 Alzheimer's disease Facts and Figures released by the Alzheimer's Association.  There are also over 200,000 people in the US under the age of 65 living with a more rare form of Younger Onset Alzheimer's disease.  There are an estimated 1,800 people with dementia in Ozaukee County with 30% living alone in their own homes.  These statistics underline the importance of Ozaukee County becoming dementia friendly.  

Dementia friendly communities are developing across the state and country involving civic, community and business leaders in cities and towns who are striving to create welcoming and friendly environments for their residents with dementia.  This effort seeks the input from people with dementia, as well as their caregivers in addressing barriers in the community.  The goal is to create a community where the individuals with dementia can remain active & safe.  

The DCS can provide training to your business, organization or community group to:
  • Offer on how to recognize someone with dementia and what you can do to help
  • Provide an increased understanding of the needs and potential stressors of someone with dementia
  • Teach communication tips to staff
  • Present environmental factors that could be addressed for your business to be more dementia friendly

Music and Memory Program

The Music and Memory Program is an exciting program for people experiencing Alzheimer's or another dementia.  It uses music to enhance someone's memory, mood and communication. 
 

Community Connections

EFFECTIVE May 18, 2020  ALL MEMORY CAFES WILL BE OFFERED VIRTUALLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - Please email Sarah Prohuska at sprohuska@co.ozaukee.wi.us for more information and to register.  

Memory Cafe

This is a monthly community gathering for those individuals living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early stages Alzheimer's or other dementia and their spouse, adult child, sibling or friend who supports them with these issues.  The cafe allows participants to relax and enjoy themselves with no need to explain anything to others.  It's a form of respite from the worries and stressors that can accompany memory loss.  The cafe has also served as a catalyst for new friendships to form among the participants.  
   
Virtual Riveredge Nature Center(Click Here for a full list of dates.)

Meets the first Thursday of each month from 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Register -  please call the ADRC at 262-284-8120 to register


Virtual Monarch Memory Cafe (Click Here for a full list of dates and locations.)

Meets the 3rd Monday of every month from 1 - 2:30 PM
Register -  please call the ADRC at 262-284-8120 to register


The support groups are not meeting in person but virtual support groups are available.  



Support Groups 

Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Group
1st Wednesday of the month from 1 - 2 pm
Facilitators: Sarah Prohuska  262-284-8124
Please call to register or email dcs@milwaukeecountywi.gov

For the person with Early-Stage Dementia and Care Partner Group
2nd Wednesday of the month from 3 - 4:30 pm
Family Enrichment Center 
885 Badger Circle, Room D & E, Grafton, WI  53024
Facilitators: Sarah Prohuska  262-284-8124
Please call to register

For the Caregiver of Someone with Memory Loss
3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 pm
Oscar Grady Public Library
151 S. Main Street, Saukville, WI  53080
Facilitator:  Valerie Cutting 414-418-0765 or Christin Langlois 262-305-7152
Please call to register


​CURRENTLY ALL CAREGIVER CONNECTION COFFEES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE


The Caregiver Connection of Ozaukee County Caregiver Coffees:

Caregivers need time to relax, regroup and find caring compassionate people on a similar journey.  Our coffee break time is informal, so come for a few minutes or the entire time to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, cookies and chat.  Join us!  Follow this link for the latest listing of dates and locations.  

​Upcoming Events:
Keep checking back for updates.