AuD Hearing, 875 Townline Road, Lake Geneva, received the Purple Angel award designating the medical group as a dementia-friendly facility.
Doctor of audiology Monara Ledtke and her staff participated in free training provided by the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative of Walworth County. Bernadette Russow, of the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, presented the award to Ledtke and her staff Nov. 28.
Ledtke has been serving the Lake Geneva area for more than 12 years and has also been an active supporter for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in September at Lake Geneva Library Park. She and her staff have now received the training that will allow them to better serve their clients that might be affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. They understand that people with dementia, as well as their caregivers, face barriers accessing and engaging with businesses and organizations.
The Purple Angel is an international symbol recognized around the world to identify individuals, organizations and businesses trained to know how to work with those people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s as well as their care partners.
Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act and talk about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, it is now spreading across the United States.
A dementia-friendly community is one where people with dementia continue to live good lives, live as independently as possible and continue to be part of their community, are met with understanding, are given the support where necessary and are treated with dignity and respect.
Dementia-friendly businesses have better staff retention, are more desirable employers and have more inclusive products and services, according to the initiative. Its goal is to provide all business and individuals in the county with training as the population grows older. More than 2,000 people with Alzheimer’s or related dementia live in Walworth County and more than 5 million nation-wide. A 31 percent increase is expected by 2025 in Walworth County, according to the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative in Walworth County.
The organization will continue to provide free training programs to the general public at programs planned for 2019. Free 30-minute training programs will also be offered on an “as-requested” basis for businesses, agencies and churches and other organizations.
Additional information about the trainings can be obtained by contacting Bernadette or Eric Russow at 262-320-7325 or attending the organization’s next meeting at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 13 at 8:30 AM at Advia Credit Union, Community Room, 837 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn.
