Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North - Ashland County

04/08/2026

Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. 💜

This helpful article from AARP shares practical tips on how to support a loved one living with dementia, from managing daily routines to communicating with patience and compassion.

Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been on this journey for a while, these insights can help you feel more confident and supported.

Take a moment to read and share with others who may benefit. 💡

👉 How to Be a Caregiver for Someone With Dementia (AARP)

It’s a tough job, but there may be more help than you think

04/07/2026

🧠 Age-Related Forgetfulness or Signs of Dementia?

It’s normal to become a little more forgetful as we age—but how do you know when it could be something more?

This helpful guide breaks down the differences between typical age-related changes and possible signs of dementia, so you can better understand what’s normal and when to seek support.

💡 Occasional forgetfulness (like missing a payment or forgetting a word) can be part of aging
⚠️ But frequent confusion, trouble managing daily tasks, or difficulty with conversations may be signs to talk to a doctor

If you notice changes in memory or thinking that concern you or a loved one, don’t wait—early conversations matter.

Learn more: www.nia.nih.gov/memory-and-aging

04/06/2026

🌟 SAVE THE DATE! 🌟

Mark your calendars for our 55+ Health & Wellness Fair!

📅 August 19, 2026
📍 Bay Area Civic Center
⏰ 10AM – 2PM

Join us for a day focused on helping you be prepared, stay informed, and live well! 💚

✔️ Health screenings
✔️ Info booths
✔️ Community resources
✔️ Giveaways & more

Bring a friend and come explore ways to support your health and well-being. We can’t wait to see you there!

04/03/2026

📢 ADRC-North Closed Today

ADRC-North is closed today in observance of the spring holiday. We will reopen on the next scheduled business day.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday! 🌷

03/27/2026

📰 Wisconsin Update: “Next of Kin” Bill Signed into Law

A new bill aimed at easing hospital overcrowding has officially been signed by Governor Tony Evers.

The “Next of Kin” law will help families more easily support loved ones when important care decisions need to be made.

👉 Check out the full article from WEAU to learn more about what this means for patients and families across Wisconsin. 💛

The “Next of Kin” bill passed through the Wisconsin State Senate and was signed by Governor Tony Evers last Friday.

03/26/2026

🍲🧠 Potluck + Brain Check? Yes, please!

We’re bringing something a little different to the Enrichment Center…

Along with great food and good company, you’ll have the chance to do a quick, private brain health screen—nothing stressful, just a simple check-in for yourself.

No pressure, no fuss—just another way to take care of you while you’re already there.

🥗 Bring a dish to share (not mandatory to participate)
🧠 Stay curious about your health
👥 Enjoy the community

📍 Enrichment Center
📅 April 16th, 2026; 11:00am- 2:00pm
400 Chapple Ave, Ashland WI 54806

Come for the potluck, stay for the conversation—and maybe leave with a little extra peace of mind. 💛

Questions? Reach out to Colleen Brewer, Dementia Care Specialist serving Bayfield and Ashland Counties, by calling 1-866-663-3607 or emailing colleen.brewer@ashlandcountywi.gov.

03/25/2026

🧠✨ Free Memory Screenings in Your Community! ✨🧠

Have you or a loved one noticed changes in memory? Or are you just curious about your brain health? Join us for FREE, confidential memory screenings at local congregate meal sites!

These quick, simple screenings can:
✔️ Provide a baseline for your memory
✔️ Help identify possible concerns early
✔️ Connect you with helpful resources and support

📍 Locations & Dates:
(Check out the flyer below for specific sites and times!)

📞 To schedule or learn more, contact:
Dementia Care Specialist
Colleen Brewer
1-866-663-3607
colleen.brewer@ashlandcountywi.gov

💬 Feel free to share this post to help spread the word in our community!

03/23/2026

"A Day of Hope & Resilience" is an event hosted by the Norwest Cancer Center on April 25th, 2026.

A meaningful opportunity to connect, find support, and build community with other impacted by cancer.

See flier for additional details.

03/16/2026

Caring for someone living with dementia often means navigating new safety concerns as mobility and balance change.

This article shares one caregiver’s experience after repeated nighttime falls led to difficult decisions about safety, independence, and the need for mobility supports like a walker. It’s a powerful reminder that changes in balance and strength can happen gradually — and sometimes without our loved ones even remembering the fall.

For many caregivers, encouraging exercise or physical therapy can feel like an uphill battle. But maintaining movement, strength, and stability can play an important role in reducing fall risk and supporting independence.

If you are caring for someone who resists exercise or mobility support, you’re not alone. This story highlights the complex balance between protecting safety and honoring independence.

Take a moment to read the article below. It may resonate with many caregivers navigating similar challenges. 💜

Charlie has had several falls in the past few months. One way to prevent falls is to do strength training exercises, but Charlie won't go to the classes any more. Do I fight with him daily?

03/16/2026

It’s not too late to sign up for Dementia Live®!

Join us for this powerful, hands-on experience that helps participants better understand what it may feel like to live with dementia. Dementia Live provides valuable insight for caregivers, family members, professionals, and community members who want to support those living with memory loss.

Spaces are still available—don’t miss this opportunity to build empathy, learn practical strategies, and strengthen your understanding.

📅 Sign up today and reserve your spot!
📩 Contact us to register or learn more.

03/13/2026

🧠 Can brain training reduce dementia risk?

A long-term study funded by the National Institutes of Health followed adults age 65 and older for more than 20 years and found that a specific cognitive training program was linked to fewer diagnoses of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The findings highlight something encouraging: engaging and challenging the brain may help support long-term cognitive health.

While no single activity can fully prevent dementia, research continues to show that staying mentally active is an important part of healthy aging.

🧩 Keep learning, keep challenging your brain, and keep the conversation about brain health going.

NIH-funded effort finds positive outcomes with strategies that engaged mostly unconscious, rather than conscious, thinking.

03/12/2026

👁️ Don’t skip your eye exams if you have diabetes.

According to new research funded by the National Institutes of Health, people with diabetes who missed recommended eye care follow-up appointments were 50% more likely to experience vision impairment within two years—even if their eye disease was considered mild.

Conditions like Diabetic Retinopathy are one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, but regular monitoring and timely treatment can protect your vision.

Even if your eyesight seems fine, routine eye exams are an important part of managing diabetes and staying healthy.

🩺 Consistent eye care matters at every stage of diabetes.

👁️ If you have diabetes, don't skip your eye appointments even if your vision seems fine.
A new study of nearly 46,000 patients found that those who missed eye care follow-ups were 50% more likely to experience vision impairment over a 2-year period, regardless of their diabetic eye disease severity.

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness that is preventable with regular monitoring and timely treatment. Consistent eye care matters, at every stage of diabetes. 🩺