Understanding Dementia
If you or someone you know is experiencing brain change and are seeking resources and supports, we can help you find them!
For additional information, please contact Amy Guerrettaz, Dementia Outreach Specialist, at aguerrettaz@area10agency.org or by calling (812) 935-2582.
Resources
Indiana’s public APS hotline number is 1-800-992-6978. Intake and investigation of all reports will now be handled by Public Consulting Group Indiana (PCGI) out of Indianapolis.
The City of Bloomington’s Fire Department provides their Mobile Integrated Health program which assists residents of the city by connecting them with care and resources that they need. This program provides help navigating the system and healthcare connections. The MIH team is willing to meet individuals where they are. This includes providing telehealth and in-home visits if necessary.
Please fill out their referral form to request services:
https://secure.healthcall.net/referral/index?group_id=DCJJvyxHYBF0mg1miuve
Call 812-803-9119 for more information.
Police social workers provide counseling and crisis support for community members who have been referred by an officer. You can also connect with a social worker through the police department, either by contacting one of the social workers directly or by calling the non-emergency line for assistance. If you do not know a specific social worker’s name, you can call the non-emergency police line at 812-339-4477, and they can connect you to the appropriate person or provide guidance on how to proceed.
Contact a social worker with the Bloomington Police Department via email:
• Melissa Stone: melissa.stone@bloomington.in.gov
• Mallory Swanson: mallory.swanson@bloomington.in.gov
Encourage communication.
• Be patient with outbursts.
• Approach people from the front.
• Sit at eye level and make good eye contact.
• Address others by name.
• Allow 10-20 seconds for a response.
• Ask one question at a time.
• Use non-verbal communication.
• Be aware of your tone of voice and body language
Led by: Amy Guerrettaz
Email: aguerrettaz@area10agency.org
Elder’s Journey (812) 334-2489
Simplified Elder Care (812) 278-1072
Christopher Holly: 812-335-8294
Paige Freitag: 812-676-6030
Lance Like: 812-323-8300
Jessica Merkel: 812-332-9295
Jerry Siefers, Jr.: 812-332-4431
Helpful Modifications to the Environment
• Remove clutter to avoid falls.
• Ensure proper lighting.
• Install grab bars and bath chairs in the bathroom.
• Remove rugs which are a tripping hazard.
• Excessive noise may cause confusion, so limit the number of visitors at one time, decrease the radio/TV volume, and speak in calm tones.
• Remove anything from the environment that causes anxiety.
Monroe County
- Brickyard Healthcare Bloomington Care Center: https://www.brickyardhc.com/care-center/bloomington-care-center/
- Cedar Creek of Bloomington Memory Care: https://www.cedarhurstliving.com/cedar-creek-bloomington-in-mc
- Gentry Park Senior Living: https://gentryparkbloomington.com/
- Hearthstone Memory Care: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/bloomington/hearthstone-health-campus/about/
- Jill’s House: https://jillshousememorycare.com/
- Majestic Care of Bloomington: https://www.majesticcare.com/location/bloomington/
- Meadowood Health Pavilion Respite Care: https://www.fivestarseniorliving.com/communities/in/bloomington/meadowood/respite-care-and-short-term-stays
- Richland Bean Blossom Health Care Center: https://www.rbbhcc.org/our-services
- Stonecroft Health Campus: https://www.facebook.com/stonecrofthc/
or https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/bloomington/stonecroft-health-campus/
Owen County
- Owen Valley Memory Care: https://www.owenvalleyhcr.com/
A premier search & rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies & is strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely responses to save lives & reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition.
The mission of Monroe County Project Lifesaver is to implement the program through screening of potential individuals, providing community education & implementing fundraising to assist those in need of Project Lifesaver. Contact Lt. Paul Ford, Van Buren Township Fire Department at 812-360-4251.
Southern Indiana Physicians Neurology
https://iuhealth.org/find-locations/southern-indiana-physicians-neurology-583-s-clarizz-blvd
Brian Moore, MD
Dr. Jamie C. Bales, MD
Telephone: (812) 330-0303
♥ SIDE-BY-SIDE SUPPORT GROUP
2ND & 4TH MONDAY OF EACH MONTH 1-2:30 PM
Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
2700 East Rogers Road
Bloomington, IN 47401
Enter through fellowship hall
People living with dementia attend a group in the Fireside Room led by Dementia Friendly Bloomington Volunteer. Care partners attend a confidential support group in the Chapel led by Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer.
♥ MEMORY CAFE
EVERY THURSDAY 1-2 PM
Endwright East, College Mall
2894 E 3rd Street
Bloomington, IN 47401
Entrance behind Target
Memory Cafe is an activity based group for people living with dementia and their loved ones, led by Dementia Friendly Bloomington Volunteer. This group is held in the back meeting room of the Endwright East Center.
♥ SPOUSE/PARTNER SUPPORT GROUP
1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH 3-5 PM
Faith Lutheran Church
2200 S High St
Bloomington, IN 47401
Group for spouses/partners who have loved ones living with dementia led by Alzheimer’s Association.
♥ APHASIA SUPPORT GROUP
EVERY WEDNESDAY 5-6 PM (NO HOLIDAYS)
IU Speech and Hearing Clinic
Health Sciences Building, Room C2122
2631 East Discovery Parkway
Bloomington IN 47408
Virtual option available for both the Family
and Client groups, contact Laura Karcher for
links (lkarcher@indiana.edu)
Phone: 812-855-6251
Small group therapy sessions, for adults with aphasia are held weekly, designed to maximize communication abilities in everyday situations. Spouse/partner(s) are also welcome to attend a special Family and Friends Support Group that runs concurrently with the client group.
♥ OWEN COUNTY CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
4TH THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH 11:30AM-12:30PM / 5PM-6PM
Owen County Public Library
10 S. Montgomery St.
Spencer, IN 47460
For family and friends caring for someone with dementia, focusing on skills, problem-solving, and mutual support. The morning support group offering is scheduled from 11:30am-12:30pm, and the evening support group offering is scheduled from 5pm-6pm. Questions may be directed to Amy Guerrettaz by calling 812-935-2582 or emailing aguerrettaz@area10agency.org.
Grow Therapy with Dayna Thompson: daynathompson812@gmail.com
Anchored Passages with Joy Kahn Harter: joy@anchoredpassages.com
The Hamilton Center is located at 909 W. Hillside Avenue in Spencer: (812) 829-0037 or
HamiltonCenterMarketing@hamiltoncenter.org
McCormick’s Creek State Park Rangers earned their Dementia Friendly Business certification.
Area 10 staff experience Dementia Live®!
Increasing Awareness & Understanding
We provide information, education and support for people living with dementia and care partners. Contact Amy Guerrettaz, Dementia Outreach Specialist, to schedule any of the following classes or presentations at aguerrettaz@area10agency.org or by calling (812) 935-2582.
* Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Skill-Building Courses
* Alzheimer’s Association Community Education Events
* Dementia Friendly Business Training
* Dementia Friends Information Sessions
* Powerful Tools for Caregivers Classes
* Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care Certifications
Babb’s and Save A Lot supermarkets earned their Dementia Friendly Business certifications.
Owen Valley Memory Care staff experienced Dementia Live®!
