MILWAUKEE - At the United Community Center in Milwaukee’s south side, staff are working to address Alzheimers and Dementia among the Latino community. 

UCC offers a variety of elderly programs, including the Adult Day Center, Latino Geriatric Center, Senior center and more. At the Adult Day Center, services are designed to meet the needs of those dealing with Alzheimer’s, Dementia or other related diseases. 

There, staff offer programming like cultural activities, fitness, art therapy, health services and more. 

Elizabeth Colon is one senior who attends the Adult Day Center. She was was born in puerto rico and has lived in Milwaukee for most of her life. She said she enjoys being able to come to the center everyday. 

“Me encanto venir aqui todos los días,” said Colon. (I enjoy coming here every day) 

She said she feels most relaxed and at home when she’s at UCC. she said her favorite things to do while she’s there is arts and crafts, talking with her friends and her favorite thing of all, dancing. 

Ana Castaneda manages the elderly programs at UCC. She said they use a cultural approach to help care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. 

“Here at UCC we have the only memory clinic in the state thats able to offer screening and diagnosis of people with dementia and Alzheimers,” said Castaneda. “We do everything in Spanish." 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that about 13% of U.S. Latinos age 65 and older are thought to have Alzheimer’s or a related Dementia. 

Castaneda said removing the language barrier helps many get the help they need. She also said this program is so beneficial because it is offered daily, so it helps many to have a safe space to spend their days so they aren’t alone. 

“With the pandemic, it seriously has taken a toll on people’s mental health,” said Castaneda. “People get depressed, so coming here and being able to stay active and communicate with others is very important.”  

She said staff at UCC work to provide the best care they can to as many people need it, while bringing together the latino community and  keeping health at the forefront. 

To learn more about the elderly programs offered at UCC, visit https://www.unitedcc.org/community-services/adult-day-center/.