Dementia Friendly

Stoughton Health

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900 Ridge Street
Stoughton, WI 53589

Call for more information

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(608) 873-2316

Dementia Friendly

Stoughton Health works to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals affected by dementia and their caregivers. Individuals with dementia can become overwhelmed or agitated by the hospital environment of bright lights, unfamiliar areas, and strangers approaching them.

Through both environmental changes and staff training, Stoughton Hospital became the first Dementia Friendly hospital in Dane County.

The environmental changes included signs with simple language, effective lighting, simple decorations, low contrast and low shine flooring and quiet places to rest. Additionally, there’s been an emphasis on displaying artwork that invokes reminiscing.

All hospital employees participate in dementia training to learn how to best work with affected individuals and their caregivers. Staff are taught a new mindset, “I am confused, I don’t know what that person is trying to tell me,” rather than, “that person is confused.” Hospital staff are encouraged to find ways to best accommodate patients and visitors with dementia.

Dementia News

Stoughton Hospital Receives Community Engagement Award

Stoughton Hospital Receives International Recognition for Dementia Friendly Work

Stoughton Dementia Friendly Coalition

The Coalition’s goal is to meet the unique needs of people in our community with dementia by increasing awareness and understanding, sharing information about local resources, offering educational opportunities, and training businesses and organizations to respond appropriately to the needs of those with dementia and their caregivers.

If your business or organization is interested in becoming dementia friendly, please see our informational brochure for additional details.

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Contacts

Heather Kleinbrook, RN
Stoughton Health
(608) 873-2316 or hkleinbrook@stoughtonhealth.com

Hollee Camacho
Stoughton Area Senior Center
(608) 873-8585 or hcamacho@cityofstoughton.com

For a printable copy of these resources, please click here: Stoughton Resources

Stoughton Memory Café

At the Memory Café, individuals with memory loss and their care partners can join together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. People can interact, laugh, find support, share concerns and celebrate without feeling embarrassed and misunderstood. Each month there are light refreshments and facilitated activities. Memory Café is free and open to everyone, no referral is needed.

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Stoughton Hospital
Bryant Health Education Center
900 Ridge Street Stoughton, WI 53589

For the monthly topic, please go to our events page.

Pre-registration is helpful but not required.

There are several other Memory Cafés in Dane County, please click here for a listing.

Questions? For more information contact Jen Erb, CTRS/Café Facilitator at (608) 873-2259.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Stoughton Memory Loss Caregiver Group

2nd Thursday from 2:00-3:00 PM
Stoughton Area Senior Center
248 W. Main Street, Stoughton
The Alzheimer’s Association’s Stoughton Memory Loss Caregiver Group provides a safe, confidential and supportive environment for individuals caring for loved ones living with dementia. Attendees may exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping, and learn about resources. The group, conducted by trained facilitators, meets at the Stoughton Area Senior Center each 2nd Thursday from 2:00-3:00 PM. To register, please call 800-272-3900.