Welcome
Are you a caregiver? Do you need help? Are you a business that wants to learn more about dementia to better serve the community?
Dementia Friendly Elgin Area can help you!
We formed this organization for YOU. We provided programs, training, and resources related to cognitive changes associated with dementia for individuals living with dementia, their family members, and businesses in the greater Elgin area.
Elgin's Story
On July 5, 2019, Elgin became the 5th city in Illinois to earn the Dementia Friendly designation from Dementia Friendly America. We held ribbon cuttings celebrating the Elgin Memory Café and Café de los Recuerdos. We provided 355 library programs in 365 days serving senior living communities, developmental communities and individuals living at home with care partners. We also created a Resource Guide for YOU that reaches our community through first responders, healthcare providers, the Gail Borden Public Library and Elgin Senior Services Associates, Inc.
We are here for you, even during the pandemic.
About Us
Our Mission
As a dementia friendly community, we are dedicated to strengthening and supporting those with cognitive changes and their care partners by raising awareness, reducing societal stigma, providing education, and communicating best practices.
Our Vision
We strive to improve the lives, welfare, and dignity for those with cognitive changes, while maintaining the greatest level of compassion, expertise, and integrity.
Programs
Programs for Caregivers
Programs for Those Living with Dementia
Programs for Those Living with Dementia
Programs for Those Living with Dementia
Programs for Those Living with Dementia
Programs for Those Living with Dementia
Music & Memory
Designed for people with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer's or related dementia with their care partner to socialize with others and enjoy a special program.
This group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at Stanley's Grill & Craft Bar in
South Elgin, IL.
Music & Memory
Designed for people with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer's or related dementia with their care partner to socialize with others and enjoy a special program.
This group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at Stanley's Grill & Craft Bar in
South Elgin, IL.
Designed for seniors active seniors, caregivers, and those living with mild cognitive impairment. EngAGE Café has three components:
- Tech Bytes is a 25 minute, friendly, slow-paced, smart phone demonstration that will provide a useful tip.
- A Community presenter will bring information on free resources or services designed to make life easier OR a Community Artist will share music, poetry, or art.
- A craft is offered, free of charge to participants.
EngAGE Café meets on the fourth Tuesday in January, March, May, July, September, and November from 2:00pm-3:30pm at the South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, IL 60177.
This program offers an opportunity for seniors to stay connected and make friends. Open to seniors, family members or caregivers three times per year at the Gail Borden Library's main branch.
- January celebrates The Three Kings
- May features Mother's Day
- October centers around Fall
Café de los Recuerdos is a collaboration between Gail Borden Library and Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center to educate seniors about their health, teach them chair stretches, and participate in a craft activity such as Mandalas for relaxation. Partners include: Elisa Campos and Mauricio Andrade from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center and Latino CORE Study
Business Trainings
Programs for Those Living with Dementia
Business Trainings
Dementia Friendly Elgin area offers free dementia training. Contact Cherie Aschenbrenner at 847-289-2626 for more information on how your business or organization become certified as Dementia Friendly.
Businesses that have completed dementia training include :
- Gail Borden Public Library District
- KCT Bank
- South Elgin Village Hall
- Elgin Senior S
Dementia Friendly Elgin area offers free dementia training. Contact Cherie Aschenbrenner at 847-289-2626 for more information on how your business or organization become certified as Dementia Friendly.
Businesses that have completed dementia training include :
- Gail Borden Public Library District
- KCT Bank
- South Elgin Village Hall
- Elgin Senior Services Associates, Inc.
- City of Elgin Code Inspectors / 311 Advocates / Public Health Inspectors
- Elgin Fire Department
- Elgin Fire Explorers
- Elgin Police Department
- Elgin Police Department Explorers
- Elgin Township Supervisor staff, Road District Staff & Assessor's Office Staff
- Edward Jones - Office of Ray Ercoli
- Edward Jones - Office of Brittany Starke
- Hampshire Women's Club
- Healthcare Plus - Elgin
- Oak Crest Assisted Living
- Red Hat Society
- Tyler Towers
- Victory Centre
Resources
Dementia Friendly Elgin Area Guide
This collection of resources serves as helping hands to those affected by dementia. Resource Guides are available in English and Spanish.
Note: We are not a medical association. We encourage you or your loved one to visit a medical professional, and obtain a thorough examination and diagnosis. In case of emergency dial 9-1-1.
Become a Dementia Friend
A Dementia Friend learns about dementia and then turns that understanding into action. We all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities!
Dementia Friendly Elgin Area Board
OFFICERS
President: Glenna Godinsky, Gail Borden Public Library- ggodinsky@gailborden.info
Vice President: Cherie Aschenbrenner, City of Elgin- aschenbrenner_c@cityofelgin.org
Treasurer: Angela Bouque, Gail Borden Public Library- abouque@gailborden.info -
Secretary: Susan Wesner, Northwestern University- susanbwesner@gmail.com
BOARD MEMBERS:
Adele Larsen, Senior Services Associates- alarsen@seniorservicesassoc.org
Bernee Gredzieleski, Heritage Woods/White Oaks- marketing@hw-s-elgin-slf.com
Dena Fischer, Presto Real Estate Services- dena@prestorealestate.com
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY ELGIN ADVISORY COUNCIL
Lt. Matt Kenneally, Elgin Fire Dept.- Kenneally_m@cityofelgin.org
Jerry Cowsert, Elgin Resident- jerrycowsert@hotmail.com
Amanda Pratt, Tower Hill Healthcare- amanda@towerhillhealthcare.com
Rocio Robledo, Healthcare Plus- rocio.robledo@hcpcaregivers.com
James Risner, The Sheridan by Tyler Creek- jrisner@seniorlifestyle.com
Det. Krysta Kaus, Kane County Sheriff's Office- kauskrysta@co.kane.il.us
George Wolff, Physical Therapist/Elgin Resident- geowolff@wowway.com
Debbie Miller, LCSW, Senior Service Associates- dmiller@seniorservicesassoc.org
Contact Us
Reach out to us for further information
We love our community and want to serve our residents and organizations in Elgin, so feel free to reach out to anyone on the Executive Board to receive more information about how we can serve you.
Check out our Facebook page for updates and events.
Memorials
Our friends may not be with us any longer, but they are never forgotten.
THANK YOU
We appreciate the generosity of our funders and donors
- Ken Bruderle, Elgin Township Supervisor
- Mark Bialek, Elgin Township Trustee
- Alejandro Lopez, Elgin Township Trustee
- Janet Rogalla, Elgin Township Trustee
- Eric Stare, Elgin Township Trustee
Help Our Mission
Your support and contributions will enable us to continue training organizations and businesses. Your generous donation will further our mission.
