By: Deb Sanders
Dust off your boots and grab your cowboy hat! Join Dementia Life on Saturday, November 7, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at The Marquee at New Town for the 2026 Western Whirl. Building on the success of last year's inaugural celebration, this unforgettable evening features mouthwatering BBQ, refreshing drinks, exciting raffles, auctions, country music, and line dancing. Tickets include unlimited beer, wine, seltzers, and food. Get your tickets online prior to November 1st.
Purchase Tickets: https://qr1.be/JZRDIR
As Dementia Life’s primary fundraiser, all proceeds directly support over 25 community groups and fund vital new initiatives, including a free online resource library for families and complimentary Continuing Education courses (CEU’s) for nurses, police officers, and paramedics.
Understanding Dementia & Supporting Families
Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in memory, thinking, and decision-making that interferes with daily life. Over time, it reshapes the lives of entire families, friends, and communities. As the condition progresses, individuals may exhibit challenging behaviors such as wandering, yelling, or making accusations. It is crucial to remember these actions are not intentional; they are an expression of unmet needs when words fail.
"Our vision is a world where every person with dementia is loved, and every caregiver is supported," says Mary Stoinski, Executive Director of Dementia Life STL. "Whether you’re just starting to notice signs in a loved one or deep in the trenches of caregiving, we’re here to help—and we never charge for our services."
Based in St. Charles and operated entirely by volunteers, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit offers guidance, education, and emotional support to ensure no family navigates an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis alone.
Planning Ahead and Building a Support Team
Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for individuals with dementia. With dementia cases expected to double or triple over the next 25 years, early preparation is essential:
- Legal and Financial Planning: Establish a relationship with an elder law attorney early to navigate Medicare and Medicaid policies, honor the wishes of elderly relatives, and eliminate crisis-driven decisions.
- Creating a Care Circle: Caregiving cannot be a 24/7 solo effort. Families are encouraged to build a support team of relatives, neighbors, friends, and faith communities.
- Caregiver Respite: Primary caregivers must schedule regular breaks to rest and refill their emotional cups.
Expanding Community Impact & Training
Dementia Life is actively transforming St. Charles into a dementia-aware community through innovative training and partnerships:
- First Responder Training: Partnering with local agencies like St. Charles County Ambulance District and the Saint Peters Police Department Safeguard program, Dementia Life trains police officers, paramedics, and firefighters to recognize dementia signs during emergency calls.
- Monthly Virtual Seminars: Held on the first Tuesday evening of every month, these free virtual sessions provide vital tools to family and professional caregivers locally and nationwide.
- Professional Caregiver Training: Free education for assisted living and memory care staff, providing essential tools for quality care and personalized approaches, along with monthly in-person support groups.
Get Involved: Volunteers Needed
Dementia Life is constantly seeking compassionate volunteers to serve as educators, assist in care communities, or offer relief to families. You don't need specialized skills to make a meaningful difference.
"We love to tie people's passions to dementia care," shares Stoinski. "Anything short of skydiving, there's a way to bring that to memory care." Whether it's sharing a scrapbooking hobby, reading aloud, humming a tune, or simply holding the hand of a nonverbal resident, showing up in the moment brings immense joy and peace to both residents and volunteers alike.
For more information on programs, virtual seminars, or volunteer opportunities, visit www.dementialife.care.