Dementia Friendly Cedar Valley

We love training more Dementia Friendly Businesses in the Cedar Valley! 😀

Shoutout to in Cedar Falls for taking the training to become recognized as a Dementia Friendly Business! We appreciate you seeking to better serve your clients living with dementia. In addition, Latasha's other business, Fifth Generation Natural Skin and Hair () has also become recognized as a Dementia Friendly Business. 🧡💜

Big shoutout to First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Falls IA for hosting a Dementia Friendly Organization training for their staff, congregation, and community!

This afternoon, Dr. Eshbaugh and Elsie from the Dementia Simulation House at UNI presented on important topics for fundraisers to know when working with people living with dementia. They are a fantastic resource, and we highly encourage you to learn more!

https://csbs.uni.edu/family-aging-counseling/centers-initiatives/dementia-simulation-house

Did you know the Cedar Valley hosts 10 different dementia-related support groups and memory cafés? Find the full list and other local resources here: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/communities/dementia-friendly-cedar-valley/

Cedar Valley businesses, do you have this sticker on your window yet? If not, sign up to have your staff trained to be dementia friendly! We will come to your location at a convenient time for you. It only takes one-hour, and it’s FREE! Any business or organization is eligible. Learn more or register here: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/dementia-friendly-businesses-organizations/

Thank you to our newest Dementia Friends who attended our session this morning at the Waterloo Public Library. Our intern & Champion, Sami Heyer, did a wonderful job presenting.

We hope to see you at our upcoming local Dementia Friends sessions!
1) Waterloo Public Library (8/9 at 10:30am)
2) First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Falls (8/20 at 10am)
3) Waverly Health Center (8/20 at 6pm)

Help us spread the word to get relevant dementia information & resources to our community!

August is a perfect time to get signed up to become a Dementia Friend! Lots of upcoming sessions scheduled. All free & open to the public. Learn more or sign up here: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/become-a-dementia-friend/

Dementia Service Specialist – Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging NEI3A is hiring a part-time Dementia Service specialist. This pilot role is a fantastic opportunity to further the Dementia Friendly Iowa goal of supporting communities where people living with dementia can live and thrive. This position is made possible through funding from the Iowa-GWEP, a five-ye...

Check out the plans for the next Friends Memory Cafe at Hartman Reserve Nature Center!

We hope you can join us Wednesday August 7th from 10am to 11 am for Friends Memory Cafe at Hartman Reserve!

Enjoy friendship, visiting,and treats while Hartman's own Connie teaches us about nature art! Plus try your own hands at meditative pencil coloring!

Don't worry, if that's not your thing, we'll have nature inspired sugar cookies to frost and decorate! Who doesn't like edible art?!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Participants are asked to attend with a supportive family member, friend, or care partner. Please call (319) 214-0711 for reservations or to ask questions.

Did you know the Cedar Valley hosts 10 different dementia-related support groups and memory cafés?

Find the full list and other local resources here: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/communities/dementia-friendly-cedar-valley/

We are hiring! We are excited to announce the opening of a new part-time position for a Dementia Service Specialist. This pilot role is a fantastic opportunity to further our goal of supporting communities where people living with dementia can live and thrive.

This position at the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging involves delivering specialized services to enhance the quality of life for those affected by dementia. Key responsibilities include:
✔️Planning & conducting initial care consultations for people living with dementia/caregivers.
✔️Providing dementia education to families, caregivers, organizations, and communities.
✔️Initiating outreach in local communities to make connections & advance Dementia Friendly Iowa efforts.

We are looking for a dedicated individual with experience in dementia-specific care, support, or education. This position offers flexibility and the chance to make a meaningful impact. It will be mainly based in the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging 18-county region, which will require travel. The position may be hybrid if the individual is interested in working remotely, but travel for meetings & care consultations within NE Iowa will be required. The role will be approximately 20-hours/week.

To apply online visit: https://nei3a.org/dementia-service-specialist/

If you have questions, please contact NEI3A’s Human Resource department at 1-800-243-0678 or email [email protected].

Shoutout to some of our newest Dementia Friends from the Allen College OT program! 🎉

So proud that the first Dementia Friendly Restaurant in Iowa is in the Cedar Valley! 🥳

Congratulations and thank you to Gilmore's Pub at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls for becoming recognized as Iowa's FIRST Dementia Friendly Restaurant. Wow, what an accomplishment!

These employees not only became , but they also discussed several tips to better serve people living with dementia such as the following:
🌟Provide only a few at a time instead of the full menu if the individual is struggling to decide.
🌟Avoid talking too closely or loudly, glass clanging, and too frequent or distracting check-ins.
🌟Give extra explanation and patience when customer is paying or tipping.

Congratulations! Check out the rest of our Dementia Friendly Businesses in Iowa here: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/dementia-friendly-businesses-organizations/

Check out what our friends in Linn County are up to!

'Dementia Friendly Linn County' and efforts to support people living with dementia and their care partners Kathy Good, director of the DeWolf Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia, and the Family Caregivers Center of Mercy on dementia

Thankful to collaborate with the Dementia Simulation House at UNI! It was a great day at the Annual Kevin Dill Golf Tournament on Saturday. 💜

What a great day for some golf.