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Dunn County ADRC outlines caregiver support groups, evidence‑based programs and outreach partnerships
Summary
ADRC staff described multiple caregiver and dementia support offerings, evidence‑based exercise programs, community outreach events and grant assistance for respite and adaptive equipment; staff noted volunteer recruitment and coordination challenges for outdoor maintenance tasks.
Casey (ADRC caregiver and outreach coordinator) presented the ADRC’s suite of caregiver services, evidence‑based programs and outreach activities, and described recent participation in regional coalitions and community events.
Casey said the ADRC runs or hosts multiple programs: Walk With Ease (previously offered), Bingo Size (twice weekly at the senior center), Strong Bodies (virtual option), caregiver support groups (including a dementia support group co‑facilitated with Carla Berscheidt), a grief support group, a Memory Cafe merged with an art group, a women’s group and a relatives‑raising‑children network for grandparents and other relatives serving as caregivers. Casey said most groups meet monthly; the grief support group meets weekly and Memory Cafe sessions and art groups vary. The ADRC also offers a caregiver coffee hour at a local restaurant and one support group that allows the care partner to receive supervised activities while the caregiver meets.
Staff said the ADRC maintains two parts of its caregiver program: recurring support groups and a small grants program to assist caregivers with respite care or adaptive equipment. Casey said grant budgets have been simple in recent applications—for example, covering devices and one year of survey costs and a part‑time staff position— but that Inclusive Foundation criteria may change from cycle to cycle.
Amy White, the ADRC transition social worker, was identified as the staff liaison for school districts and transition planning; staff said the ADRC can begin working with young adults about three months before their 18th birthday to smooth transition from child to adult services.
On outreach, staff described tabling at events such as university health and wellness fairs, senior farmers markets, and regional coalition conferences. Casey said the ADRC participates in roughly 20 outreach events per year to connect with families and youth who may need services. Staff also described partnerships and referral pathways to local organizations that provide volunteer or paid in‑home support, naming Stepping Stones and Positive Alternatives as referral partners for home projects and community service help, but said availability and reliability of volunteers—particularly for seasonal yard work or snow removal—varies.
Committee members asked about volunteer capacity and school or college service‑learning requirements; staff said some local schools and UW‑Stout include service hours and that students occasionally assist ADRC programs, but follow‑through can be inconsistent. Staff encouraged committee members to help identify volunteer opportunities and local partners.
Staff closed by saying they will continue to expand programming where demand exists and will return with updates.
