Did you know? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Arizona has the fastest-growing rate of Alzheimer’s and dementia cases in the nation. Right now, there are more than 150,000 Arizonians who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is projected to grow by 33.3% within the next five years. The number of local residents impacted by dementia is increasing by the minute, making it imperative, now more than ever, for Arizona’s communities to come together to support those who have been affected by this disease.
In collaboration with partner businesses and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the City of Mesa has become “Dementia Friendly Certified” through Dementia Friendly America, a national network seeking to ensure that communities across the U.S. are equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers.Every action counts, which is why Oakwood Creative Care is pleased to invite everyone in our community to join us in becoming a part of the Dementia Friendly Mesa Movement!
The Dementia Friendly Mesa Task Force
Members of the Dementia Friendly Mesa Task Force are doing their part to prepare our community by offering the resources, support, and education needed to create a safe and engaging space for all.
Now, we invite you to join us in our mission to support those living with dementia by fostering their ability to remain in the community and engage and thrive in day-to-day living.
Dementia Friendly Mesa is dedicated to building an environment full of education, understanding, and engagement – but what exactly does this look like?
Throughout the year, Dementia Friendly Mesa hosts several programs open to all who are eager to learn more about making a BIG impact through a small commitment, including:
- Memory Cafés
- Dementia Friendly Business Designation Programs
- Dementia Friends Information Sessions
- Community Outreach
- First Responders Education
Oakwood Creative Care
Lia Peterson, Karen Stegenga,
Jessica Major, Sherri Friend
Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Sally Harrison
The Summit at Sunland Springs
Lori Marsh
All About You Placement
Sandy Dyk
Always Best Care Senior Services
Becky Friend
You Can Become A Dementia Certified Friend!
Dementia Friends Arizona is dedicated to bringing understanding and support to people with memory loss. Through Dementia Friends Arizona, you and others within the community can change your perspectives on dementia by understanding the disease, its common types, and how to turn that understanding into action.
And the best part? You, too, will find the opportunity to grow, connect, and build friendships with others who share the same passion and dedication to enriching the lives of others. Here are just a few things participants have said about joining Dementia Friendly Mesa’s Memory Cafes and the experiences they have had since:
“I love the Memory Cafes! The support group has been so helpful for me as a caregiver. I am meeting people who really understand my story and situation.”
– Dementia Care Partner
“I am actually making friends with people who understand my situation – friends who I can call and who can help me just by sharing their own stories of experience.”
– Dementia Care Partner
Anyone can be a Dementia Friend – because we all have a part to play in making Mesa a dementia-friendly community! Are you ready to join us in advocating for those with dementia and taking action in our community? Click on the button below to sign up today for a free one-hour informative training session, where we will talk about the power of compassion and help you find the tools necessary to make a difference.
It Takes A Village: Become A Dementia Friendly Designated Business!
With Arizona being the #1 state for Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses, it is safe to say that almost everyone within our community has either been impacted by this disease or knows someone who has been. Currently, about 1 in 4 workers aged 25 years or older are caregivers for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s, which means the effects of dementia are trickling into the workforce.
The good news is that businesses can help make a big difference for older adults with dementia and their caregivers by committing to be more dementia friendly. In fact, the Mesa Chamber has created a special designation for businesses willing to go the extra mile to create a Dementia Friendly Environment.
Join a training program to learn more about:
- Recognizing the signs and risks of dementia
- Getting tips for communicating, interacting, and supporting people with dementia
- Connecting with local resources
- Implementing a plan for creating dementia friendly physical space
- Supporting employees impacted by dementia
Plus, businesses that commit to this program will receive a dementia friendly decal, poster, and electronic logo to let everyone in their community know they are officially a Dementia Friendly Designated Business!
Level Up By Becoming A Dementia Champion!
Take it to the next level and become a Dementia Friends Champion! Your leadership, passion, and dedication to the cause are just the tools needed to help others.
You can work at the forefront of the Dementia Friendly Mesa movement by helping those in your community to uncover their empathy and understanding of dementia and how they can impact those affected by memory loss.
Once you become a Dementia Friend, you can join a Champions Training and become a critical piece of spreading dementia awareness to the community, families, friends, and businesses.
Champions are the carriers of the message – helping others to understand how they can make a difference in the lives of people and families living with dementia by providing the one-hour Dementia Friends training.
“It’s profound to be able to support the Memory Cafes and to support the couple – both the husband and wife – and to hear their stories. It helps me better understand their situation and show up better in my work.”
– Health Care Worker & Volunteer For The Memory Cafes.
P.S. Did You Know?
Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! We believe a diagnosis should not have to define your life. Instead, we have devoted our mission to reigniting hope for caregivers and older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related challenges. Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, creative care model found at each of our Day Clubs.
