Cedar Rapids dementia forum advances plan to improve life for patients, families

DeWulf dementia innovation center
The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia at 9000 C Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids. CREDIT MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

Health care professionals, community advocates, caregivers and individuals living with dementia will gather for the second annual DeWolf Innovation Center forum series from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29.

The dementia forum will take place at The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia at 9000 C Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids.

The forum is titled “Shifting from Think Tank to Do Tank.” Aging and dementia leaders and experts will present their thoughts and the action being taken in a variety of ways to make life better for older adults and those living with dementia.

Speakers include:

  • Karen Love & Rev. Cynthia Huling Hummel presenting “Why a dementia diagnosis need not be a death sentence.”
  • Dr. Yogesh Shah & Rev. Jonathan Witfield presenting “The relationship between dementias and zip codes in the U.S.”
  • Dr. Daejin Kim presenting “Revitalizing Small Communities: Home modification for aging in place.”
  • Clay & Debbie Jones presenting virtually “At long last, hope! Advocacy, philanthropy and research advance the fight against Alzheimer’s.”
  • Early-stage dementia group presenting “What about me? Living your best life with early-stage dementia.”

The forum will also provide opportunities for participants to engage in mindful movement throughout the day with a Mercy fitness and wellness expert.

Offered by invitation only, the forum is free for participants.

The DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia is a place of continuing discovery and implementation of best practices, aiming to continually seek ways for older adults and those living with dementia to live more satisfying and fulfilling lives. Family caregivers are also supported to make caregiving easier and to help both them and their loved one live with meaning and purpose.

Connected to HallMar Village – a 237-residence senior living community co-developed with Presbyterian Homes & Services – the DeWolf Innovation Center is the only known innovation center in the U.S. connected to a senior living community. Its proximity to HallMar Village allows residents to easily access these services, which are also open to the public, as well as be the first to trial new developments.