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PROGRAMS
Beyond Dementia Coalition is putting together an exciting array of programs designed to serve our mission to reduce stigma and ultimately inspire people to embrace those living with dementia. Check out what we've been up to!
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Twiddle Muffs
program descriptions
virtual dementia tour
The Virtual Dementia Tour is an eight minute dementia simulation. Participants get to walk in the shoes of a person living with dementia and this "first hand"experience is foundational to a peron's ability to understand what people with dementia go through, meet them where they are, and interact with greater empathy and patience than before. The Virtual Dementia Tour is an evidence based virtual reality training event appropriate for anyone who might interact with seniors as they go about their daily life. Beyond Dementia Coalition can present this event at your location. We also present this event for the general public four times a year at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) in Gainesville, GA. Learn more and register HERE.
hb 987 dementia care training for staff
Assisted living facilities with memory care units (or other means of caring for those diagnosed with dementia) are mandated by law to provide dementia-specific training to the dementia care workers... AND everyone working on site, from the CNAs to the food service workers and transportation drivers. Beyond specifiying seven high-level topics, the state doesn't provide guidance on how to structure the curriculum, what to cover, how to weight the coverage of various sub-topics, or how to measure sucess. Beyond Dementia Coalition provides customized training packages including the 4-four General Orientation and the 12-hour Dementia Care Specialist Training to assisted living facilities seeking to fulfill the GA HB 987 requirements established in 2021. Learn more HERE.
reading to adults with dementia
Social engagement is essential to quality dementia care. Social engagement helps stimulate cognitive skills to possibly slow dementia's progression. It may possibly lower risk of depression and protect overall well-being. Reading to Adults with Dementia (RAD) pairs trained volunteers with people diagnosed with dementia for one-on-one reading sessions. Volunteers read requested or curated material in this new companion program, while caregivers have an opportunity for needed respite. RAD also serves those diagnosed who have no loved ones nearby. RAD is a collaboration with partner Wisdom Project 2030. Learn more HERE.
Dementia caregiver course for spouses
Beyond Dementia Coalition designed and delivered a dementia caregiver course to help those partnered with or married to a person with dementia. The curriculum was presented over six sessions, spanning essential topics such as legal, spiritual, physical, financial and practical matters, as well as resources available through the Alzheimer's Association, and the GEM(R) dementia progression model. The final session was an experiential learning event designed to simulate dementia's symptoms, the Virtual Dementia Tour.
emergency comfort kits
Led by Bill Wittel, the Emergency Comfort Kit project involved recruiting partners to contribute to a supply chain orchestrated to deliver hundreds of emergency comfort kits (including hygiene kits and other necessary items for emergencies) through Grace Episcopal Church, Lakeword Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church and Legacy Link, all of Gainesville GA. The program also delivered a "Plan in a Can" step-by-step guide for comfort kit distribution, so that participating organizations might optimize results. Partners included the American Red Cross, Wisdom Keepers, Atlanta Regional Commission, and Cresswind LLC Community Fund. 300 kits were distributed in 2022. Legacy Link received 210 kits in 2023 to distribute to their clients in Hall County, GA.
twiddle muffs
Beyond Dementia Coalition partner Georgia Mountain Fiber Arts Guild in Hall County, GA has created a project to knit twiddle muffs for people living with dementia. Twiddle muffs, generally about $35 online, can help reduce anxiety and calm agitation for those who use them, including people living with dementia. The Guild is currently exploring fiber options to find the best knitting material for those with allergies and/or sensitive skin. This partnership is a great example of how we can grow our coalition and reach/impact communities in our backyard.