A Mission To Improve Life With Dementia

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 Barsel, spoke and gave the history of both the Roseville A/D and Roseville ACT on Alzheimer’s project. She also reviewed several projects which have been completed as well as the action plan for 2015, which includes an educational series and movie reviews.

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.

Cities Should Follow Roseville’s Lead And Have A Dedicated Web Page For Dementia Resources And Services

Roseville is believed to be the first city in the nation to dedicate a page on their official city website to dementia.

Thank you John and Virginia Sweeney, Ed and Judy Meehan and George Seiler for their willingness to share their insights with us.

Carolyn Klaver  with Lyngblomsten & The Gathering shared their wonderful programs and need for volunteers.

If interested in volunteering in Roseville email RosevilleAlzDem@gmail.com 

Catherine Engstrom talked about the Wilder Foundations & their P.S. I Understand program which too is always looking for volunteers.

If interested in volunteering in Roseville email RosevilleAlzDem@gmail.com

The program wrapped up with questions and answers and people gathering in the hallway talking with vendors gathering more resources before leaving.

You can go to CTV and watch the full program.

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

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