Dementia Friendly Iowa Summer Newsletter

Communication Tips

Being Dementia Friendly in Conversations

When speaking with a person living with dementia, consider these practices:

▶ Avoid correcting or criticizing. Connect instead; their reality is real to them, and we need to step into their world. Redirect and move on if needed.

▶ Be aware of your feelings & body language. Your tone of voice, body language, or other non-verbal signals may communicate a negative attitude and make the person anxious. Be friendly, kind, and relaxed with your tone and facial expressions.

▶ Be patient. Leave time for their response. Don't ask too many questions or offer too many choices at one time.

▶ Offer a guess. If they’re having trouble with a word, offer a guess.

▶ Avoid quizzing. Try not to ask “remember when?” or put the person on the spot.

▶ Be specific. Avoid vague statements. Use specific words (instead of saying, "I'll get it," say, "I'll answer the door.")

▶ Turn negatives into positives. Instead of saying no, offer a neutral answer or alternative option.

▶Say "person living with dementia." Avoid negative phrases such as "suffering with dementia" or "dementia person." Make sure to put the person first.

▶ Learn more: Mayo Clinic article, Alzheimer's Association article, Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care YouTube Channel or join us at a Dementia Friends Session.

Looking for a Fall Internship?

Dementia Friendly Iowa Seeking Intern

The Dementia Friendly Iowa initiative works to build communities where people with dementia can live and thrive. It is a program of Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A), which helps older persons respond to their evolving needs and choices. We are seeking a undergraduate student intern for the Fall 2023 semester.

Ideal candidate:

Passionate about dementia awareness & education
Comfortable with presenting to groups/organizations (Dementia Friendly Iowa will equip student with training & materials!)
Excellent written & oral communication skills
Responsible, detail-oriented, self-starter
Experience with social media/marketing is a bonus, but not required

Details of the internship:

~20 hours/week (can be flexible if student needs more/less)
Hybrid work: opportunity for remote & Waterloo NEI3A office (intern will be based in Cedar Valley area)
Duties may include assistance with marketing/outreach/social media, various administrative tasks, and presentation of Dementia Friendly Business trainings & Dementia Friends sessions in the community to support the local Dementia Friendly Cedar Valley initiative and statewide efforts.
Supervisor will seek to provide valuable professional experience for student! NEI3A can work with student to fulfill class credit requirements if applicable. Internship is unpaid.

If you are interested, please email your resume to Megan Zimmerman ([email protected]).

Where are the support groups?

Finding local support groups & memory cafes

Are you looking for a dementia-related support group or memory café?

Here are some ideas for locating local support groups:

Check the Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter Program Events Calendar or call 800-272-3900.
Contact the local Area Agency on Aging at 866-468-7887. Some AAA's host their own support groups or may be able to refer to a local opportunity.
Other community organizations (faith-based organizations, community centers, long-term care communities, libraries, etc.) may independently host local support groups.
Finally, several local and national organizations offer online or hybrid support groups for both caregivers and/or people living with dementia. A few include the Mercy Family Caregiver's Center Men's Caregiver Coffee, Dementia Action Alliance, and the Alzheimer's Association national chapter.

Recently, the Dementia Friendly Cedar Valley action team developed a comparison chart with all the local dementia-related support groups and memory cafes in the Cedar Valley (Waterloo/Cedar Falls) area. Click here for the chart. Though we don't have a resource like this in every area in Iowa, we are grateful to now have one for the Cedar Valley! This is a great representation of a helpful resource developed through a dementia friendly community initiative.

Seeking Spanish-Speaking Volunteers

Volunteer - Become a Dementia Friends Champion!

Dementia Friends Champions are volunteers who are equipped to offer and facilitate community education sessions. They offer Dementia Friends sessions in their circle of influence: at the local library, work, school, clubs, and more! We have Spanish materials available, but we have not been able to present them in Iowa yet. We are seeking bi-lingual volunteers (English/Spanish). To become a Champion volunteer, attend one of the Champion Trainings listed below:

1) Wednesday, June 28, 12-2pm (via Zoom)

2) Thursday, July 27, 11:30-1:30 (via Zoom)

3) Tuesday, August 29, 6-8pm (via Zoom)

Don't speak Spanish, but still want to volunteer to present sessions in English or another language? No problem; all are welcome!

Email [email protected] to learn more or ask questions about becoming a Champion Volunteer.

Research Opportunity

Siblings Caring for Parents with Dementia Study

Visit our website or social media for more information about getting involved in Dementia Friendly Iowa!

Dementia Friendly Iowa is supported by: