Aging Services

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Thanks to support from Bader Philanthropies and many community partners, DSAW is expanding programs in order to better serve aging individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We have support opportunities for loved ones and caregivers, a number of education opportunities, resources, and more. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Mary.

To stay up to date on all that we have to offer, click the button below to join our email list.


Aging & Down Syndrome Caregiver Support Group

DSAW is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association to host a monthly support group for people who provide care for aging individuals with Down syndrome. Each support group will provide emotional support and experience sharing as well as an educational component. There will be a focus on Alzheimer's and dementia due to the prevalence of those diseases in the Down syndrome community. All caregivers to aging individuals with IDD are welcome to join this program.

HOW TO JOIN US

We will meet via Zoom in order to include caregivers across the state! If you have concerns about participating virtually, please email mgaffron@dsaw.org to inquire about other forms of support.

Monthly on the third Wednesday from 5-6 PM.

TO SIGN UP

Please sign up using our registration form linked below. Check that you are interested in the Aging & Down Syndrome Caregiver Support Group at the bottom of the form. A confirmation of your registration and a Zoom link will be emailed to you.

Having issues navigating the form? Email Mary to receive the link.


Down Syndrome & Alzheimer's Disease Support Group

This is a Facebook group for families and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's/Dementia. Join and post your questions, comments, and concerns. The group is moderated by staff from the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, but we hope that the community members can be the first source of support.


Education

Want to learn more about aging in people with Down syndrome? Curious about the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, its common over-diagnosis, and ways that we could potentially improve cognition in older adults with Down syndrome? We offer several means to learn about these topics!

PROVIDER TRAININGS
Whether you are staff at a nursing home, day program center, resource center, or another nonprofit, we offer provider trainings on Down syndrome and aging. Trained DSAW staff will come to your workplace to share about the common links between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s in addition to misconceptions, symptoms to look for, and more! Email Mary at mgaffron@dsaw.org to schedule a training.

SPEAKER SERIES
DSAW works with national leaders in the Down syndrome/aging field to coordinate a Speaker Series related to Down syndrome and aging/Alzheimer’s disease. Join us at one of our upcoming conferences or seminars about this important topic!

WEBINARS
We have a library of educational webinars presented by professionals in the field of aging, disability, and dementia. Topics include an introduction to dementia, the latest research in Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s, pseudo-dementias in people with Down syndrome, and more. Watch recordings of these webinars from the comfort of your own home by clicking the button below!

Aging Resources

Brought to you by collaboration from the following partners:

Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia

Caregiving

Fact Sheets

Future Planning

Grief and Loss

Guardianship Information

Guidebooks

Health and Wellness

Healthcare

Housing

Medical Professionals

  • Waisman Center Down Syndrome Clinic: The Waisman Center provides comprehensive clinical care and support for children with disabilities and their families. The Waisman Center Down Syndrome Clinic is a partnership with UW Health and the American Family Children’s Hospital. An interdisciplinary team of professionals works together to provide clinical care of children with a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Memory Games

Parents

Self-Advocates

Siblings

  • WisconSibs: Wisconsin's leading organization serving siblings of people with disabilities along their lifelong journey through peer support programs, education and networking opportunities, leadership development, and more.

Spanish Resources