Starting last winter a group of faith leaders joined with the La Crosse County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to learn about dementia in our community and discuss ways churches and other faith groups could support people with dementia and their caregivers both in worship and in the community.

You may recall that First Lutheran had committed to host a Memory Cafe in our narthex in March and June of 2020. Unfortunately, those events had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Once there is a vaccine available, or another more clear way ahead to keep the more vulnerable safe in groups, we will plan to host a Memory Cafe again.

The faith leaders also identified the need for dementia respite for people with early to moderate dementia symptoms. After investigation of similar programs in other communities, the team put together a plan to start Oasis Dementia Respite. Oasis will open fall of 2020 to be offered on Monday and Thursday 11:30am–3:30pm. Oasis will offer lunch, refreshments and therapeutic enrichment activities encompassing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual sides of a person. People living with dementia often feel overwhelmingly isolated causing feelings of depression over loss of identity and control in their life. Social connections, mental stimulation and physical activity are vital to maintaining functional ability and emotional health.

The program will be hosted at First Free Church, Onalaska at no cost. The space is barrier free, handicap accessible and offers a kitchenette for our use. It would be staffed by trained volunteers, a Certified Nursing Assistant and managed through Causeway Caregivers, a nonprofit that provides other dementia-related programs. The respite will be offered at no cost, or suggested donation, so that all who want to participate, can. The group is still working on funding through grants to cover the paid staff positions and some other equipment and administrative costs. If you are interested in learning more about the program for someone you know who may want to attend the respite program, or if you want to volunteer, contact bridget@firstlu.org.

If you are interested in becoming involved, but volunteering at Oasis isn’t what you had in mind, there is a Dementia Friendly Community Coalition that is putting together sub-committees to work on community awareness, engaging health care, dementia friendly business, law enforcement and legal advocacy and caregiver advocacy and support. Again, if you are interested in learning more, contact bridget@firstlu.org.