On March 1st, 2026, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) celebrated 50 years since we welcomed our very first patient in 1976. As Wisconsin’s first member-owned, non-profit health care cooperative, we have always believed that our patients and members deserve a place at the top of the leadership structure, giving them a voice in their health care.
Throughout 2026, we are excited to reflect on the past five decades of milestones and continue to look for ways to maximize health and well-being for our south central Wisconsin communities. We are so thankful to all our GHC-SCW members, staff and community partners for being a part of our 50-year journey.
Continue reading to learn more about this year’s celebrations and GHC-SCW’s legacy of Better Together!
Our Founding Story
Started with merely 49 founding members, we have grown to serve over 70,000 member-owners across south central Wisconsin, bridging quality health care and health insurance together.
GHC-SCW’s story begins with the novel vision of early founding members: consumers of health care should own and direct the way that their health care is delivered. These members believed that preventive care was essential for lifelong health. They also wanted greater control of member costs as the established health system was notorious for high medical costs.
With only 49 founding members, the Cooperative faced an uphill battle of securing funding, building a quality care delivery system and establishing an organizational foundation that could sustain itself over time. Despite these challenges, the founders’ steadfast belief in the mission ushered GHC-SCW forward.
Each year, membership and staff grew, resulting in expanded care and growth opportunities. Access to a federal grant supported this growth and confirmed that GHC-SCW’s vision was a worthwhile investment for the health of Wisconsinites. And after celebrating our 20th anniversary in 1996, GHC-SCW was named the #1 HMO in the country. This recognition affirmed that GHC-SCW was on the right path, toward a future where member-owned health care cooperatives make a real difference.
Since these initial years, we have established five GHC-SCW primary care clinics and two specialty clinics to provide high quality, accessible care and health insurance to over 70,000 in Dane County and beyond. From physical and occupational therapy to behavioral health services to imaging and lab services, we continue to expand our offerings to support the changing needs of our communities. GHC-SCW is incredibly proud of our commitment to our founding members’ original vision, and we can’t wait to see where the next fifty years take us next!
Check out our history page to learn more: ghcscw.com/about-us/history
Celebrate with Us!
Throughout the year, we will be introducing community activities, opportunities to win prizes, sharing our history in member communications and more to celebrate our long history! Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect:
- 50 Years, 50 Stories: We are collecting 50 stories through recorded and written interviews from people who have helped shape our Better Together legacy, including members, staff, employer group leaders, community partners and more. Videos will be shared on our website, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
- Clinic History Wall Installations: Each of our clinics will be getting new history wall installations, featuring our major milestones over the past five decades. Installations will occur on a clinic per month basis.
- Share Your Story or Staff Kudos: We want to hear from you! Members, staff and community parters can fill out this form to share their GHC-SCW experiences and memories. [ghcscw.com/form/share-your-story]. We’ll be sharing these stories with staff, our website, social media platforms, HouseCall and email communications to highlight GHC-SCW’s impact.
- Member Communications: 50th anniversary content will be shared in the monthly member emails, a special 50th mailer in April, our Spring HouseCall newsletter in May and across our social media accounts throughout the year. We will highlight key history events, community stories, opportunities to get involved and much more!
- GHC-SCW Legacy Trail Activity: Participate in our outdoor or virtual Geocache scavenger Hunt (with prizes!) starting on May 4, 2026. More details to come in the special 50th Anniversary mailer and on our website.
- Annual Membership Meeting: Participate in our 50th annual membership meeting and election on June 25, 2026. Thank You for 50 Years!
Thank you for being a part of our 50-year history as a member-owned cooperative. GHC-SCW looks forward to a year of reflection, celebration and growth as we continue to shape the Better Together legacy for many years to come.
Early Photo Highlights
GHC-SCW Opens Its Doors (1976)
Sauk Trails Construction (1993) and Open House (1994)
s
Capitol Clinic Groundbreaking (1994) and Open House (1995)
Annual Service Dinner (1997) – GHC-SCW Named #1 HMO in the Country
February is American Heart Month! The American Heart Association (AHA) encourages everyone to learn more about heart health and build strong habits to prevent heart disease. Continue reading to learn about the AHA’s Essential 8 habits to support your heart.
American Heart Association’s Essential 8 Habits for a Healthy Heart
1. Build Healthy Eating Habits
Eating well-balanced meals throughout the day fuels your heart and brain to work at their very best. It’s important to include a variety of healthy foods in your diet. It can feel difficult to shift your eating habits, but you can start small with actions like reading and understanding food labels, cooking at home more often and looking for the American Heart Association Heart-Check on groceries.
For a heart healthy diet, include a variety of foods:
Fiber-Rich Foods
- Whole grains (oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice)
- Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
- Fruits (berries, apples, pears, citrus)
- Vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, carrots)
- Nuts and seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds, almonds)
Omega-3-Rich Foods
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout)
- Ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Algae-based sources (for plant-based diets)
Foods Rich in Monounsaturated Fats
- Olive oil and olives
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, pistachios, peanuts, sesame, sunflower)
2. Be More Active
Exercise carries benefits for both your heart and your brain. Lifting weights, trying a new sport or simply going on a walk can boost your mood and help reduce stress.
Every week, adults should get a total of at least:
- 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (walking, dancing, gardening) OR
- 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (running, swimming, jumping rope)
Or a combination of both throughout the week.
3. Quit Tobacco
The use of nicotine and tobacco can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and damage blood vessels. Additionally, nicotine/tobacco products increase the risk of having a stroke, developing type 2 diabetes, experiencing mood swings and anxiety and aging prematurely in memory and skin damage.
How to make a plan to quit:
- Start by setting a quit date within the next seven days. Try to pick a date that doesn’t seem too stressful.
- Next, choose your method: cold turkey or gradually. When making this choice, consider whether you may need additional help from a health care professional.
- Create a plan to address cravings and urges. At this point, you can also decide if you will need to use nicotine replacement or medicine during your quitting process.
- Finally, quit on your quit day. It’s okay to feel nervous; there are resources to support you: www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco.
4. Get Healthy Sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for your heart and brain health. Regular, restful sleep improves mood and energy, strengthens your immune system, reduces the risk of chronic disease and improves overall brain function.
On average, adults should aim for 7 – 9 hours per night. Here are a few tips for success:
- Dim the lights before you head to sleep. This signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down for the night.
- Try to avoid screens like your phone or computer for at least 30 minutes before sleeping.
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. A consistent sleep schedule helps to regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
- Follow a nighttime routine. Before you head to sleep, try winding down with relaxing hobbies like reading, journaling or stretching.
5. Manage a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a weight that is healthy for your body is also important for heart health. Every person’s needs are different, and their ideal weight depends on a wide variety of lifestyle and biological factors. Talk with your health care provider to help you figure out if your weight is healthy for your age and body. You can work towards maintaining a healthy weight by eating food with portion sizes in mind and by spending time being active.
6. Control Your Cholesterol
High cholesterol can negatively impact your heart health by increasing the risk for heart diseases and some types of dementia. Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that helps your body function, but too much of it can be harmful and lead to plaque (hardened deposits) building up in your heart’s arteries.
It is important to know that there are two kinds of cholesterol:
- HDL = good: High-density lipoprotein is known as “good” cholesterol.
- LDL = bad: Low-density lipoprotein is known as “bad” cholesterol.
HDL helps prevent LDL from sticking to artery walls. This reduces plaque buildup in your arteries, which lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Your health care provider can check your cholesterol levels with a simple blood test and help explain the results to you. Keep a record of your cholesterol levels over time and remember that your diet choices have a significant impact on them.
Eating meals with fresh produce, whole grains and lean proteins instead of highly processed foods can help reduce the “bad” cholesterol levels. Additionally, you can replace saturated fats like butter and whole dairy with healthy fats like olive oil, fatty fish, nuts and eggs.
7. Manage Blood Sugar
Blood glucose levels can also indicate if your brain, kidneys and heart are healthy. Glucose is a type of sugar that is produced by our bodies when we eat food. It travels through your blood to the parts of your body that need energy. You can maintain healthy blood glucose by eating smartly, practicing physical activity, managing stressors and getting good sleep.
Your health care provider can take blood sugar readings, which are most accurate when you fast for 8 – 10 hours before testing.
Here are the fasting blood glucose level guidelines:
- Lower than 100 mg/dl: Normal – Healthy range
- 100 to 125 mg/dl: Prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose) – At increased risk of developing diabetes.
- 126 mg/dl or higher: Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 diabetes) – At increased risk of heart disease or stroke.
8. Manage Blood Pressure
In addition to your blood sugar, blood pressure is another important body measurement to keep a pulse on. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can hurt your heart and brain health and often has no symptoms. High blood pressure can cause serious health issues such as heart attacks, stroke, dementia, heart failure, kidney disease or failure and vision loss.
Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers, written as a ratio like this: 116/78. This is read as “116 over 76” millimeters of mercury. The systolic (top number) is the higher of the two numbers and measures pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The diastolic (bottom number) is the lower of the two numbers and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between heartbeat pulses.
Blood Pressure Categories:
- Normal: systolic lower than 120 mm Hg (upper number) and diastolic lower than 80 mm Hg (lower number)
- Elevated Blood Pressure: systolic 120 to 129 mm Hg (upper number) and diastolic 80 mm Hg (lower number)
- Stage 1 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): systolic 130 to 139 mm Hg (upper number) or diastolic 80 to 89 mm Hg (lower number)
- Stage 2 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): systolic 140 or higher mm Hg (upper number) or diastolic 90 or higher mm Hg (lower number)
- Severe Hypertension (If you don’t have symptoms*, call your health care professional.): systolic higher than 180 mm Hg (upper number) and/or diastolic higher than 120 mm Hg (lower number)
- Hypertensive Emergency (If you have any of these symptoms*, call 911.): systolic higher than 180 mm Hg (upper number) and/or diastolic higher than 120 mm Hg (lower number)
It’s great practice to track your blood pressure either at home with a validated device or at community locations with free monitoring systems, such as pharmacies or some health clinics. If you notice an elevated reading, visit your health care provider for confirmation and an official diagnosis.
To maintain healthy blood pressure, lower your sodium intake and added sugar intake, incorporate more fresh vegetables and fruits and limit sugary foods and drinks. Adding regular exercise to a more mindful diet can help you manage the stress placed on your heart. Additionally, cutting out alcohol and nicotine can help prevent high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Caring for your heart might feel overwhelming, but starting with small changes can help support quality and longevity in your life. Implementing strategies from the AHA’s Essential 8 can help you take proactive action rather than address serious health problems later. If you have further concerns or questions, always reach out to your health care provider for more information. This February and beyond, let’s take action to protect our hearts!
Sources and Resources:
How to Help Prevent Heart Disease At Any Age | American Heart Association
Life’s Essential 8 | American Heart Association
Cholesterol: Understanding Levels & Numbers
GHC-SCW Becomes First Health Care Organization in the World to Adopt Epic’s AI Charting Tool
Groundbreaking innovation allows providers to focus fully on patients, reduces burnout and transforms the care experience.
GHC-SCW has become the first health care organization in the world to adopt Epic’s new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Charting tool into their medical practice, marking a major innovation milestone in the future of patient-centered care and provider well-being.
Epic AI Charting uses secure, health care-specific artificial intelligence to draft visit notes as it listens to in-person or virtual visits, with patient consent. By reducing the need for providers to balance listening, typing and documentation during appointments, the tool allows clinicians to be fully present with patients while ensuring timely, accurate medical records.
“This technology fundamentally changes the experience of a health care visit,” said Dr. Chris Kastman, Chief Medical Officer at GHC-SCW. “AI Charting supports our providers behind the scenes so they can focus on what matters most, including listening to their patients, building trust and making shared decisions together. It is a powerful example of how technology should enhance, not replace, human connection in health care.”
GHC-SCW providers who were among the first in the world to integrate the use of Epic AI Charting into their practice report meaningful improvements in both patient care and their own well-being.
“It’s changed my life and made note-writing so much easier,” said Dr. Kate Ledford, GHC-SCW Provider and Associate Medical Director of Informatics and Population Health. “It’s saving me time, which is great, but it’s also saving my sanity and allowing me to give more attention directly to my patients.”
“Beyond saving time and making note-writing easier, this tool has truly enhanced my experience of caring for patients. It has brought me back to why I went to medical school in the first place — to connect face-to-face with patients, not with a computer,” said Dr. Matthew Swedlund, Senior Medical Director at GHC-SCW.
According to Epic’s early impact data, clinicians using AI Charting reported:
- Saving up to 60 minutes per day
- Significant reductions in time spent on notes
- Improvements in both clinician well-being and patient experience
“We worked side-by-side with clinicians at GHC-SCW to develop AI Charting,” said Corey Miller, Vice President of Research and Development at Epic. “When they say it’s improving their patient visits and working lives, it’s a reminder of why we at Epic do what we do. Together, we’ve built something that’s already making a real difference — and this is just the beginning.”
GHC-SCW’s role as an early innovator builds on a long history of leadership in health information technology. The organization was also the first health care organization in Wisconsin to implement the EpicCare electronic medical record in 2002 and MyChart in 2003, helping shape how patients and providers interact with digital health tools.
“Provider burnout has been a growing challenge across health care for years,” said Dr. Mark Huth, President and Chief Executive Officer at GHC-SCW. “Epic AI Charting directly addresses that challenge while improving the patient experience. We are honored to partner with Epic on something so innovative and proud to once again help lead the industry forward.”
About Epic AI Charting
Epic AI Charting is a HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation tool used only with patient consent. Visit recordings are stored securely for a limited time and are not used to train AI models. Providers remain fully responsible for reviewing, editing and finalizing all medical documentation.
Situation Update: February 2, 2026 at 3 pm
Thank you to the crews for helping restore water to our Sauk Trails Clinic. We are on track and planning to be open for normal business operations tomorrow, February 3, 2026.
Temporary Closure of GHC-SCW Sauk Trails Clinic
The GHC-SCW Sauk Trails Clinic is temporarily closed due to a burst water main pipe. All staff and patients were safely evacuated.
All scheduled appointments at the GHC-SCW Sauk Trails Clinic for today (2/2/26) are cancelled and staff are working to notify patients. This includes Primary Care, Behavioral Health, GHC-SCW Foundations Intensive Outpatient Program, Chiropractic, PT/OT and Health Education. In addition, Laboratory and Pharmacy service are unavailable and may be delayed. Some teams are working to reschedule appointments to virtual visits when possible.
We apologize for the disruption and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure the safety of our space. Additional updates will be posted here as soon as they are available.
The new year is a great opportunity to focus on your health and well-being. Winter can make motivation tough with colder weather and shorter days. January and February are the perfect time to start fresh by building healthy habits with small steps. Read below for some helpful tips.
- Get outside when you can – Even if the weather is cold, take advantage of the nicer days. Bundle up, go for a walk, soak in the sunlight and spend time outside whenever the weather permits. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient our bodies need to stay healthy, and sunlight is one of the main sources. Staying indoors can reduce vitamin D levels, so getting outside when possible is important.
- Keep your skin hydrated, exfoliated, and protected from the sun – Even in winter, sunburn is possible. Wear long sleeves, hats and gloves and use sunscreen on exposed skin. Keep your skin healthy with lotion and gentle exfoliation to prevent dryness and cracking.
- Drink plenty of water – Due to dry air and reduced moisture, it’s important to stay hydrated in winter. Drinking water is another great way to keep your skin hydrated. Cold and flu season is at its peak during these colder months, so keeping your water intake up will help boost your immune function and keep you healthy.
- Prioritize sleep and keep a consistent schedule – Gloomy days may tempt you to stay in bed, but a routine matters. Aim for 8–10 hours of nightly sleep to support your energy and well-being. Wake up and go to bed at the same times each day to build a strong routine.
- Try a new activity – Winter routines can get monotonous. Explore a new hobby, workout or craft. Something different can lift your mood, keep you active and make winter enjoyable.
- Prioritize Mental Health – The early winter months can bring many symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) including fatigue, social withdrawal, irritability, periods of sadness and changes in sleep. It’s important to focus on your mental health during these colder months. Light therapy, meditation, exercise, staying connected with friends and family and a consistent sleep schedule can all help combat SAD. Talk with your health care provider if you or someone you know is struggling with SAD this winter.
You don’t need to make big changes, even one or two small habits can make a meaningful difference over time. These steps can help support your health and well-being throughout the winter months. Warmer, sunny days will return soon, but until then, keep these tips in mind.
GHC-SCW Unionization Resolution
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have reached a mutual resolution related to the unfair labor practice claims filed last year. As a result, the SEIU has voluntarily withdrawn the unfair labor practice claims and its petition with the NLRB to form a union at GHC-SCW. We value the feedback shared by our member-owners throughout this process. As we lean into our 50th year, we are focused on moving forward together and continuing to support our staff, serve our members and strengthen our commitment to the communities we serve.
Starting a conversation about memory loss with a loved one can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect their health and independence. This blog will help you understand what dementia is, recognize common symptoms and approach these conversations with practical strategies and an empathetic perspective.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is the loss of cognitive function, including thinking, remembering and reasoning, to the point where it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities (National Institute on Aging). It affects millions of people globally, and about one-third of all people 85 years or older may have some form of dementia. However, dementia is not a regular part of aging. In fact, many people can live into their 90s without any signs of dementia.
Dementia ranges in its severity from when it just begins to affect a person’s functioning to the most severe stage when the person must rely upon others for basic living activities like eating or using the restroom. Some people with dementia become unable to control their emotions and elements of their personalities may change.
Dementia is used as an umbrella term to describe a range of brain conditions that worsen over time due to progressive and irreversible loss of neurons and brain function. Dementia is caused by ongoing damage to brain cells that impact their ability to communicate, which widely affects thinking, behavior and feelings. There are several different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common. Currently, there is no cure for any type of dementia. However, there are medications that may help slow disease progression, and that may be available from your healthcare network or local community. These medications may help promote the well-being and independence for your loved one. Therefore, it is beneficial to involve your loved one’s health care team early in the process.
Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
Symptoms of dementia occur when once-healthy neurons (nerve cells) in the brain stop working, lose connections with other brain cells and die. While everyone loses some neurons as they age, people with dementia experience far greater loss (National Institute on Aging).
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of dementia. They may include:
- Memory loss, poor judgment and confusion
- Difficulty speaking, understanding and expressing thoughts or reading and writing
- Wandering and getting lost in a familiar environment
- Trouble handling money responsibly or missing payments
- Repeating questions
- Using unusual words to refer to familiar objects (difficulty with word finding)
- Taking longer to complete routine daily tasks
- Losing interest in normal daily activities or events
- Hallucinating or experiencing delusions or paranoia
- Acting impulsively
- Not caring about other people’s feelings
- Losing balance, falling and other problems with movement
Signs of Age-Related Forgetfulness vs. Dementia
While noticing these symptoms may suggest dementia or a related condition, it is always best to seek a professional opinion from your Primary Care Provider or a geriatrician. Learn more about GHC-SCW’s exceptional primary care here: Primary Care – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin.
Navigating Challenges for Dementia Patients and Their Families
Dementia affects every area of cognitive function; therefore, loved ones and caregivers often face complicated situations that they had not expected. Changes to daily life are usually unpredictable, as one’s needs fluctuate and behaviors can shift suddenly. These challenges can manifest in complex feelings of frustration, fear, uncertainty and confusion among both people living with dementia and their loved ones.
For more information on lifestyle challenges, read this article, “Unique Challenges Faced by Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers,” published by Caring Senior Service.
How to Communicate with a Loved One about Memory Loss
If you’ve noticed behavioral changes or cognitive decline in an aging loved one, it may feel daunting to start a conversation about dementia and its symptoms. But, if you’re concerned about their safety and well-being, now is the time to act. A great place to start is with an open conversation grounded in empathy and understanding.
Here are a few strategies to help lay the groundwork for a meaningful conversation.
- Start with a gentle, compassionate tone: Talking about one’s personal health, especially potential cognitive decline, can feel like a sensitive topic. No matter how worried or frustrated you are about their behaviors or brain health, you must share your concerns in a way that resonates with your loved one. This means that your conversation should be built on a foundation of love, compassion, understanding and a nonjudgmental tone.
- Offer reassurance about future possibilities: While memory changes can be an indicator of dementia, it is not always the case. Some degree of forgetfulness is common with aging, as the brain naturally declines in size and activity. Other causes of memory issues can include dehydration, depression, drug and/or alcohol misuse, side effects of medication, social isolation and sleep problems, among other causes. It is important not to jump to conclusions, but instead to clarify which behaviors your loved one is experiencing. Encourage your loved one to visit a geriatrician or their primary care provider for a comprehensive exam, noting that their brain health is just one piece of their overall well-being.
- Emphasize prevention: Individuals experiencing dementia often have no idea it is happening. Those with mild cognitive challenges can be reluctant to acknowledge that there is an issue and might even resist seeing a specialist if they don’t believe they have any challenges. You should remind your family members that nothing needs to be “wrong” for them to visit a health care provider. In fact, professional care providers can help identify potential problem areas before they become larger issues. According to geriatric medicine physician Ardeshir Hashmi, MD, “Prevention is the key word. And in terms of successful aging, you can never start too early” (Cleveland Clinic).
- Offer support and focus on the positives: During this difficult conversation, it can be helpful to focus your discussion on what’s most important: ensuring your loved one’s long-term independence and confidence as they age. Phrases that define your loved one’s end goal can help guide the conversation toward potential next steps rather than focusing on past struggles (see the next section for examples). Invite your loved one to share their own perspective with open-ended questions like “How have you been feeling lately?” I’ve noticed you’ve had some trouble remembering your medications.” Simply asking about their experiences can help you identify where they may be struggling and decide on the following steps to ensure your loved one’s long-term independence.
Consider potential next steps: Once you’ve opened the conversation, talk about what comes next. Emphasize that you want your loved one to feel confident, capable and prepared for any changes ahead. Reassure them that you will navigate this process together, focusing on seeking support instead of adding restrictions. Again, health care professionals can help you navigate this complex process by providing expert insight and offering solution options that best fit your needs.
Key Phrases to Use when Talking About Memory Loss with a Loved One
Communication with a loved one about cognitive decline can be challenging, complicated by differences in comprehension and high emotions. Practicing patience and keeping a nonjudgmental, empathetic tone can help you gain more information to make critical shared decisions.
Gentle Openers & Observations
- “I’ve noticed you seem more forgetful lately…”
- “We’ve noticed a few changes and just want to make sure you’re feeling okay.”
- “You haven’t seemed like yourself. I’m worried about you.”
Questions for Reflection
- “How have you been feeling lately?”
- “Have you noticed anything different about your memory lately?”
- “I’ve noticed you’ve had trouble remembering things lately. Have you noticed it too?”
Supportive and Reassuring Phrases
- “Let’s figure this out together.”
- “There are many reasons this could be happening. A doctor can help us figure it out.”
- “We could look into some memory checks together or learn more about how to stay proactive.”
- “The goal is to make things better, not necessarily to find out what’s ‘wrong.'”
Encouraging Proactive Next Steps
- “I want you to remain independent and feel your best.”
- “Would you like me to go with you to the doctor?”
- “Everyone forgets things sometimes. A comprehensive exam could give us some answers.”
Phrases to Avoid
- Avoid blame or dismissive comments (“You’re just getting old”).
- Don’t quiz memory too harshly (“What did you eat yesterday?”).
- Avoid labeling or jumping to diagnoses (“You probably have Alzheimer’s”).
- Don’t make comparisons to others (“Mom never forgot things like this”).
- Avoid ignoring their feelings (“You’re overreacting”).
The words that you choose matter. Kind words can bring comfort, while harsh or judgmental words can push your loved one away. Prioritize strengthening your connection with your loved one, not just fixing a “problem”.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
In conclusion, dementia is not a regular part of aging. Early, compassionate conversations can make a significant difference in supporting your loved one through cognitive decline. Focus on empathy and reassurance, avoid blame or harsh language, and encourage a professional evaluation to rule out other medical issues that may be contributing to cognitive symptoms. Though it may be difficult, try to frame the next steps positively by emphasizing independence, confidence and shared support in their next chapter. Ultimately, prioritize your relationship and open communication to help your loved one feel capable and prepared for whatever comes next.
Resources for Learning about Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Please check out these resources for additional information on dementia, Alzheimer’s and communication about memory loss.
Learn more about Dementia and Alzheimer’s:
Talk with Loved Ones about Memory Loss:
General Tips for Daily Life with Dementia:
We will implement holiday hours at our clinics and Administrative Building in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026. Check out the upcoming holiday hours in the chart below:
Facility |
Monday, January 19 | Holiday Hours |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Clinic at Capitol Clinic | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Capitol Clinic Pharmacy | Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Lab and Imaging | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
All other GHC-SCW Clinics & Administrative Offices:
|
Closed |
At GHC-SCW, we know that where you live and work should not be a barrier to receiving quality health care. As our membership continues to grow beyond Dane County, we are excited to expand our Large Group Partners HMO network into Rock County. This expansion gives members more local care options, decreases travel time and strengthens continuity of care for individuals and families across county lines.
GHC-SCW members will be able to visit clinics and hospitals in various cities in Rock County, Wisconsin.
The clinics in this expansion include:
- Beloit Health System
- Edgerton Hospital and Health Services
- Janesville Clinic – UW Health
- Mercyhealth
Services at these facilities include urgent care, emergency care, behavioral health, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, occupational therapy and more.
GHC-SCW members who live and/or work in Rock County now have increased access to care in their community, cutting travel time, expanding specialty care options and making it easier for families to access the services they need. Families who may be split across counties, meaning one parent lives in a separate county from the other, can now have a stronger continuity of care.
GHC-SCW is dedicated to assessing partnerships that help members get the health care services they need when they need them. This expansion improves access and continues to provide greater convenience, choice and service to GHC-SCW’s members outside of Dane County.
“By expanding our network in neighboring counties, we’re meeting members where they are and providing care that fits their daily lives,” said GHC-SCW President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Huth. “It’s important to strengthen relationships with local health systems throughout Southern Wisconsin and work together to create the best health care experience possible for patients.”
As we continue to expand our network, the goal remains the same: creating a community-involved, member-centered Cooperative where members feel heard, valued, and can be themselves.
Visit our Clinic and Provider Search Tool to learn more about coverage and services offered at these new locations.
We will implement holiday hours at our clinics and Administrative Building for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on December 31 and January 1, 2025. Check out the upcoming holiday hours in the chart below:
Facility |
Wednesday, December 31 | Holiday Hours |
Thursday, January 1 | Holiday Hours |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Clinic at Capitol Clinic | Open 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Capitol Clinic Pharmacy | Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Lab and Imaging | Open 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW PT/OT at Capital Clinic | Open 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Closed |
| GHC-SCW PT/OT at East Clinic | Open 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Closed |
| Princeton Club West PT/OT Clinic | Open 6:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Closed |
All other GHC-SCW Clinics & Administrative Offices:
|
Open 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Closed |