Dementia can cause isolation and loneliness, both for the individual experiencing it and for their caregivers and loved ones. Here at Story Cottage, you already know that we provide your loved one with a comforting home, surrounded by peers and a nurturing staff. But we also want to provide you both with resources and support for your journey through a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Here are our top five resources that you can take advantage of, located right here in Central Indiana.
Indiana Alzheimer’s Association
The Greater Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has a great number of resources on their website, including education programs, a wide variety of local caregiver support groups and a blog with tips and stories from both individuals with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.
They also promote advocacy and research in their effort to see a world without Alzheimer’s. One of their major awareness events is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest event for Alzheimer’s advocacy.
Memory Cafe
A Memory Cafe is a unique program for individuals and their caregivers that originally comes from the Netherlands. It can benefit anyone with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. They are typically hosted by social service professionals, with a focus on activities and fostering social connections.
Here in Central Indiana there are two Memory Cafes, one located at Conner Prairie and the other at Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers. The Hamilton East Library also hosts a number of other events for seniors and caregivers, like workshops and information sessions, that you can check out on their events calendar.
Dementia Friends of Indiana
The Dementia Friends of Indiana is an initiative out of the national Dementia Friendly America organization. Dementia Friends seek to provide both education and support to individuals with dementia and their loved loves, break down stigmas and create practical changes in the area.
When you become a Dementia Friend, you can attend an in-person or online session to learn how dementia affects others and how to educate others about the changes in our community that can help reduce stigma and improve support.
The Regenstrief Institute
The Center for Aging Research, established by the Regenstrief Institute, Indiana University and the IU School of Medicine creates and tests innovative strategies to improve healthcare methods used by older adults, especially those who may be vulnerable, medically or socially. You can view the many projects they have implemented on their website.
The Regenstrief Institute also hosts a podcast called The Problem, which is about the big, complicated issues in healthcare and how we can work to improve them as a society. Season 1 focused on the opioid crisis and Season 2, currently airing, focuses on Alzheimer’s and the various challenges and care involved.
IAAAA and CICOA
The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging provide services and support systems within the community and via public subsidies to Hoosiers who are in need of long-term care. There are 15 associate members in the state to help provide this care.
Serving the Indianapolis-area, the Central Indiana Council on Aging Inc. is the largest Area Agency on Aging in the state. The specific services they provide to seniors and individuals with disabilities include meals, transportation, home modifications, caregiver support and much more! You can learn more about events, news and services on their website.
If you have any needs that we can support, both for those with dementia and their caregivers, do not hesitate to contact us! We strive to provide first-of-its-kind memory care and peace of mind, and want to help you and your family today!