In 2017 WHL successfully implemented, “Improving Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia Care through Health Literacy,” workshops. These workshops helped professionals and caregivers use health literacy strategies to more effectively communicate with those who have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
When developing workshop materials, a physician, staff at the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, and a Dementia Care Specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reviewed the content. All provided valuable input, including the Dementia Care Specialist who felt the original workbook was too heavily geared towards professionals. With her suggested revisions and learning about the need for more caregiver support in our communities, it became clear the program needed a new focus to provide relevant information for unpaid caregivers. WHL recognized the need and is in the process of tailoring the program for unpaid caregivers.
During COVID, these vital caregivers need even more support.
Through funding from the RRF Foundation on Aging in 2021, WHL will work closely with a co-creation team of unpaid caregivers, to recraft our curriculum to meet the health literacy needs of unpaid caregivers in communicating with health professionals and providing care to those they serve. WHL is partnering closely with the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, and numerous Aging and Disability Resource Centers across Wisconsin to implement the program and provide health literacy training and support to unpaid caregivers across the state.
We appreciate the RRF Foundation on Aging giving us this opportunity to improve the skills and confidence on unpaid caregivers and improve the quality of care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
