Dementia Friendly Community Initiative

The people of Wisconsin are coming together to support their families, friends, and neighbors living with dementia. Whether someone lives in a small town or a large city, whether they are young or old, anyone can get involved in helping their community to become dementia friendly. A Dementia Friendly Community is one in which people with Dementia:

• Able to live good and comfortable lives
• Have the ability to live as independent as possible
• Continue to be a functional part of their community
• Are met with patience and understanding
• Are given support when necessary

Wisconsin Dementia Friendly Toolkit

Wisconsin’s toolkit, Building Dementia-Friendly Communities, P-01000, (PDF) provides information, resources, lessons learned, and the steps for building a dementia-friendly community. The toolkit is a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin, AARP Wisconsin, and local communities throughout the state that have implemented dementia-friendly projects. The toolkit is a user-friendly resource guide for implementing and sustaining dementia-friendly community efforts that features several Wisconsin communities’ dementia-friendly programs. Specific sections include information for use by professionals, businesses, public health, families, and individuals with dementia, including resources and services available from Wisconsin organizations and programs. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are identified as chronic diseases to be addressed by local and state public health agencies as an increasing public health issue.

Request a Training

Building a dementia friendly community takes time, dedication, and commitment by businesses, organizations, and individuals. McFarland Senior Outreach staff have completed specialized training and is available to conduct short in-service workshops to local business, faith organizations, and service groups. To request more information and schedule a training, contact McFarland Senior Outreach at 608-838-7117

The following businesses and organizations in McFarland have completed Dementia Friendly Training:

• E.D. Locke Public Library
• Forward Pharmacy
• McFarland Police Department
• McFarland Senior Outreach Department
• McFarland State Bank

Get Involved

If you would like to volunteer to promote and lead these trainings and/or assist during educational programs related to this initiative, please contact us at 608-838-7117.

File of Life

Fire, Rescue and Police Departments throughout Dane County are partnering with the Aging and Disability Resource Center to distribute File of Life Emergency Preparedness Sleeves to area older adults. File of Life keeps vital information at the ready in your home in the event that a response from Fire, EMS or Police is required in your home. File of Life allows first responders to immediately begin the best possible treatment, notify loved ones, and pass vital data on to hospital staff if a transport is required.  The File of Life is a magnetic sleeve that can be affixed to your refrigerator or other appliance in a prominent place in your living space. FREE File of Life sleeves and inserts are available at McFarland Senior Outreach. To request one, contact 608-838-7117.

Medication Lock Boxes

McFarland Police Department, McFarland RADAR (Relevant Alcohol and Drug Resources), and SAFE Communities of Dane County have teamed up with McFarland Senior Outreach to offer free Home Medication Lock boxes for area older adults. The medication lock box is a secure container with a combination lock that is easy to use and change. It hold up to 12 prescription bottles. Medication lock boxes allow for the safe storage of prescription drugs, preventing access by children, teens, pets, and unauthorized adults. 

For your FREE Medication lock box, contact McFarland Senior Outreach at 608-838-7117.

Medication Safety:

• Store medications out of reach of kids, family and guests.
• Know where your medications are at all times.
• Keep prescribed medications in the original container with the label attached and the child-resistant cap secured. 
• Keep track of the number of pills for your prescription so you are immediately aware if any are missing
• Dispose of all unused and expired medications properly. Proper storage and disposal of all medications is essential to health and safety.

Walk for Wellness

McFarland is home to a plethora of beautiful parks and natural areas. Take advantage these natural amenities by challenging yourself to walk to explore each one. You will be reaping many benefits to your physical and mental health! 

Download 2022 Walk the Parks Challenge Packet