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Date: Jun, 16 2025
Adoray Home Health & Hospice is proud to announce a major step forward in our commitment to supporting those living with dementia and their caregivers throughout Western Wisconsin. This month, we celebrated the graduation of our first class of Dementia Champions, a group of 20 compassionate care team members who completed a four-part training course focused on cutting-edge dementia care.
Dementia touches the lives of nearly one in four of our hospice patients each year, and countless more in the communities we serve. Yet for many families, the journey can be confusing and isolating, especially without a clear diagnosis or understanding of the disease. That’s why Adoray is dedicated to equipping both our staff and our community with the tools, knowledge, and heart to walk this journey together.
Our newly certified Dementia Champions are trained in the evidence-based Positive Approach to Care (PAC) philosophy developed by renowned dementia care expert Teepa Snow, including her “GEMS” model. This framework emphasizes understanding and honoring the changing abilities of individuals with dementia at every stage, enabling more personalized and compassionate care.
“It’s truly heartwarming to know that our care team now has these specialized tools to better serve our community,” said Christa Walz, Executive Director of Adoray Home Health & Hospice. “Dementia care requires more than just knowledge, it takes empathy, patience, and a deep commitment to meeting people where they are. I couldn’t be prouder of our team.”
Adoray’s commitment to dementia care doesn’t stop with our staff. We’re extending our reach through an free Dementia Caregiver Conferences, which offer hands-on learning and connection for personal and professional caregivers alike. In June, Adoray welcomed a full house to our 2nd Annual Dementia Caregivers Conference in Hudson, WI.
“Advancing dementia care has been a long-standing goal for Adoray, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see that vision become reality,” shared Amber Bettinger-Lytle, Director of Development & Marketing. “Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we are not only meeting those goals but continuing to lead the way in dementia care. From specialized staff training and free Dementia Caregiver Conferences to Companion Pets for our patients with dementia, this is the beauty of what happens when people and organizations come together with a shared mission of compassion and support.”
As part of our long-term commitment, annual dementia care training is now a formal part of Adoray’s organizational education. Additionally, Adoray is sharing its Dementia Care Resource Guide with the community, created in partnership with the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), to empower families with information and support. This resource guide is available for download below.
