Dementia Dialogues®: Empowering South Dakotans and Enriching Lives
Dementia Dialogues® training is reducing the care burden and enhancing quality of life for South Dakotans affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other related dementias. This nationally recognized, evidence-informed training fosters compassionate care and helps create dementia-friendly communities where everyone can thrive.
“Although we’ve just begun offering this training, the impact is already evident,” said Renee Robbins, program manager for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC). “Participants from our first workshop shared how it enhanced their ability to communicate with loved ones, manage challenging situations, and connect to helpful resources.”
The Dementia Dialogues® workshop launched in Canton, SD, on November 7, 2024. The 12 individuals benefited from five training modules presented during three sessions. Workshop participants recommended the training for others.
“I learned so much and wish everyone could take this course.”
Cynthia Delzer“Great sessions and information. I hope it can be provided in other communities in our state.”
Deb Esche
A Strong Partnership Driving Change
The South Dakota Department of Human Services, Division of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), contracted SDFMC to deliver Dementia Dialogues® training to caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members across South Dakota. The flexible training can be tailored to meet organizational and community needs. Anyone interested in hosting a workshop can request information and receive assistance from SDFMC to coordinate and promote the free training.
Robbins added, “This training builds understanding, reduces stigma, and fosters more compassionate care, making it a vital resource for caregivers, healthcare providers, and community members. Each workshop brings us closer to creating more inclusive, supportive, and dementia-friendly communities.”
Continuing education credits are approved for dental professionals, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, community health worker/community health representative (CHW/CHR), and long-term care administrators. This makes the training even more valuable for professionals seeking to enhance their skills while meeting continuing education requirements.
Feedback surveys and knowledge assessments are used to evaluate the training outcomes, identify geographic reach, and document participant demographics. This information helps ensure the workshops are creating real-life impact and reaching the growing number of individuals experiencing or affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other related dementia.
Why Dementia Dialogues® is Essential in South Dakota
Alzheimer’s disease presents a growing public health challenge in South Dakota:
17,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s.
6.0% of individuals aged 45 and older report subjective cognitive decline.
27,000 family caregivers provide 34 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $716 million annually.
Alzheimer’s costs the state Medicaid program $212 million annually.
These numbers underscore the urgent need for a public health approach to better support individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Together, LTSS and SDFMC are fostering dementia-friendly environments and building systemic change in the state.
Robbines emphasized the value of the workshop is reaching beyond the training sessions. “Dementia Dialogues® is changing the landscape of dementia care in South Dakota by providing essential tools and knowledge to caregivers, healthcare providers, and community members. Dementia Dialogues® is more than training. It’s a movement to create inclusive, supportive communities across South Dakota.”
Dementia Dialogues® workshop details and a list of upcoming sessions can be found on the SDFMC Dementia Dialogues web page or contact Renee Robbins for more information.