Engaging students in Wisconsin dementia friendly community efforts
Since 2014, the Center for Aging Research and Education (CARE) has supported students volunteering with and learning from Wisconsin community efforts to support people living with dementia. Starting as an independent study opportunity for highly-motivated students, these partnerships have grown into a community-based learning course, "Community Supports for People with Dementia" (Nursing 511). This interprofessional course prepares students to provide quality person-centered care for people living with dementia, in partnership with diverse dementia-friendly community efforts.
Outcomes
This course is designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to work across disciplines (e.g., nursing, medicine, pharmacy, social work and business), in collaboration with community groups, to strengthen supports for people living with dementia and to understand the importance of dementia-friendly efforts for people with dementia and their caregivers; deepen students’ understanding of dementia, public health and multi-disciplinary problem solving; familiarize students with the possibilities and limitations of community living for people with dementia (70% of people with dementia in the U.S. are cared for by friends and family in the community); and counter ageism and promote careers involving older adults.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Diane Farsetta
Senior Outreach Specialist, Center For Aging Research And Education
- Department/Unit
- Center for Aging Research and Education
- School or College
- School of Nursing