FOR ANTIGO TIMES

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is a national health epidemic. In Wisconsin, there

are currently 875,149 people over the age of 65, with approximately 105,000 of those

seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. More than 70% of people with dementia spend

the majority of their time at home in their community.

CoVantage recognizes the need for quality dementia-friendly care in the communities the

credit union serves. As a response, CoVantage recently partnered with the Aging and

Disability Resource Center of Langlade County to educate staff on all forms of dementia-

related diseases. The trainings were presented to staff by Meagan Fandry, ADRC Caregiver

Support Coordinator, at the Antigo headquarters with surrounding branch staff participating

through virtual access. Three different class times were offered over the course of two days.

Over 50% of CoVantage employees completed the training.

According to Joanna Hilger, Employee Development Specialist at CoVantage, the goal of

offering this course was to help employees better understand dementia and be equipped to

respond effectively while serving members and their caregivers. “CoVantage Credit Union’s

mission is to welcome all and I really felt this training was an important step toward making

the organization even more inclusive,“ said Hilger. As a result of the training, 15 of our

branches are now certified Dementia-Friendly businesses and are able to better assist our

member-owners and their families.