TLHA supports Belle Plaine in forming dementia action alliance
BELLE PLAINE, MINN. January 26, 2016 — An initial community meeting to develop a dementia action alliance in Belle Plaine attracted about 25 people from backgrounds as diverse as business, government and faith communities Jan. 21 at Kingsway Retirement Living. Based on the interest, the group is scheduled to convene again next month.
“I was very touched by the passion I saw,” said Jan Zimmerman, the meeting’s facilitator and director of dementia outreach and education for The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA).
TLHA is leading the dementia outreach strategies for Belle Plaine and seven rural counties. TLHA has developed a dementia outreach model through an innovative state grant project, funded in part through a Minnesota Department of Human Services – Live Well at Home Grant.
“The Live Well at Home dementia outreach grant offers an opportunity to launch a dementia outreach model to improve the lives of persons with dementia and their family caregivers,” said Catherine Berghoff, TLHA’s director of grant resource development and program administration.
The development of dementia action alliances in rural communities is an essential outreach component.
TLHA is basing its local dementia action alliance effort on a successful campaign underway in Watertown, Wis., home to another of its senior living communities.
“The story has long been about fear, loss of purpose and isolation. We want to change that story to one of hope, meaning and connection,” said Zimmerman (pictured speaking with Rev. Mark Johnson of St. John Lutheran in Belle Plaine).
“With this grant, a key project goal is to provide extensive education to the community, including businesses and emergency medical services,” Zimmerman said. “The No. 1 thing we’re finding is the majority of people don’t have a true understanding of dementia and how to support those with dementia. We’re not asking individuals to become dementia specialists, we are asking them to become advocates.”
Citizens gathered at the dementia community meeting represented banks, insurance, the library, the grocery store, the city, the fire department, churches, private school, local transportation and the community at large. They identified some of Belle Plaine’s strengths as active civic groups, quality medical care, multi-generational relationships, TLHA’s leadership, availability of transportation and a strong faith community.
“I think the churches are willing to work together ecumenically, and not all communities can say that,” said Rev. Diane Goulson, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Henderson.
“There seems to be a lot of willingness in the community to help others,” said Rob Rosenau, who works at Coborn’s in Belle Plaine.
Challenges identified were public transportation on a regular schedule, variety in social and entertainment opportunities and limited support groups for family caregivers and those with dementia.
Among Belle Plaine’s population, Zimmerman estimates about 72 people are living with dementia. While some live in care communities such as The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine and Kingsway, others likely remain at home with family care partners.
“The majority of people do not want to leave their home, but supports are limited for them to continue being part of the community,” Zimmerman said, adding this can lead to isolation. “Those who isolate themselves are potentially more likely to progress faster with the disease, than those who keep a connection with the community.”
Ways to support those with dementia — and their care partners — include offering social opportunities, providing public awareness and ensuring access to local establishments and the ability to safely navigate the community.
The process of making those changes will be a focus of next month’s dementia action alliance meeting on Feb. 18 at noon in Kingsway Retirement Living’s Ratskellar. Lunch will be provided, and the meeting is open to any new members interested in joining. Group members will define their goals and next steps, choose a title for the alliance and select leaders.
TLHA will provide education and assist local organizations in making positive changes to help support those with dementia, Zimmerman said.
Statements do not necessarily reflect MN-DHS / State’s position or policy.
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About The Lutheran Home Association
The Lutheran Home Association is a not-for-profit ministry dedicated to providing for the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of people in our care. We offer a wide variety of health care, housing and spiritual outreach services with campuses in several states and congregational programs serving seniors and individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities nationwide. Services and programs include senior living, skilled nursing care, memory care, disability services, rehabilitative therapies, chaplaincy, Bible classes, worship services and property management services. Learn more at www.tlha.org, follow @TLHAword on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook.