Dementia Capable Southern Arizona

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The purpose of Dementia Capable Southern Arizona is to create a welcoming, compassionate community in which people with dementia can connect and thrive. This collaborative effort supports people with dementia and their caregivers through coordination and availability of resources, community education, and effective policy change.

Dementia Capable Southern Arizona, anchored at PCOA, works to increase our community’s understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. Working alongside local governments, we are creating a dementia-friendly communities plan to make southern Arizona a better place for people living with dementia and those who care for them. Because early detection matters, we help increase the identification of people with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and make referrals to appropriate resources. We are excited to offer Memory Cafés in Pima County, and to partner with local businesses to provide training and support to caregivers in the workplace.

Do you have concerns for yourself or your loved one about memory?

Please call the PCOA Helpline at 520.790.7262 or complete this referral form to reach one of our certified Options Counselors, who will complete a brief screening tool. Based on the results of the screening, our Options Counselors will work with you and your family in creating a person-centered plan that can include general information, resources and referrals as needed. They will also provide dementia education and support for symptom management.

Our Program Director, Harbhajan Khalsa, provides supervisory, administrative and organizational oversight of Dementia Capable Southern Arizona.

Our Certified Options Counselors, Vianey Hernandez and David Torrez, provide short-term coaching and case management to those living alone with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, their caregivers and individuals with IDD. They provide person-centered plans; provide individualized referrals and advocacy. They work in conjunction with other program staff to provide community-based programming. Memory concerns? Call the PCOA Helpline at 520.790.7262 or complete this referral form to receive a FREE screening.

Our Community Education Specialist, Nicole Thomas, provides ongoing training and monitoring for dementia-specialized support services. She creates, modifies and implements a variety of trainings for both internal staff, external partners and community members.

Our Community Liaison, Sarah Bahnson, coordinates PCOAs work with the community. Through trainings Sarah works to help our community services providers ensure that all older adults receive aging-related care services that are welcoming, respectful, and safe for them.

 

Dementia Friends is a global movement that aims to change the way people think, talk, and act about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the program helps raise awareness and reduce stigma through community education. Becoming a Dementia Friend takes just one hour. During this session, you’ll learn the five key messages about dementia, the most common types, how it affects individuals, and how each of us can make a positive difference in the lives of those living with dementia. Sessions are offered in both English and Spanish. To view upcoming Dementia Friends Information Sessions, please visit our Eventbrite page by clicking Here

 

Navigating the dementia journey can be overwhelming. The number of resources and supports available can be stressful to navigate. Options Counselors are here to support and guide you.

Options Counseling Services Include:

  • A personalized approached
  • Unbiased information
  • Memory screenings
  • Resources and referrals for your needs
  • Long and short term planning
  • Healthy Brain Kits
  • Ongoing support
  • Opportunities for community connection

Options Counselors meet you where you are – in person, via phone, or online – to walk alongside you and your family and support you in your dementia journey.

Reach out to us today at 520.790.7262  or complete this referral form.

  • More than 1 in 6 Americans working full or part-time are also the caregiver of an elderly or disabled family member, friend or relative.
  • Pima Council on Aging and United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona created this program to support working caregivers by offering education, resources, and specific training that empower employees to balance work and caregiving. Each session consists of 8 weekly 90-minute classes that combine the evidence-based Powerful Tools for Caregivers program with hands-on learning in PCOA’s Caregiver Skills Lab. Envisioned as a lunch and learn, the course is delivered by trained PCOA instructors.
  • Get involved today – contract Program Director Harbhajan Khalsa at hkhalsa@pcoa.org or 520.790.7573 x3426

Memory concerns? Call the PCOA Helpline at 520.790.7262 or complete this referral form to receive a FREE screening.

 

In accordance with CDC guidelines, masking at PCOA facilities is optional for staff, volunteers, and members of the public. CDC recommends people at high risk of serious illness from COVID 19 discuss when they should wear masks and other precautions with their healthcare provider. PCOA representatives will gladly put on a mask at your request. Participants at in-person event(s) will be expected to adhere to distancing and safety guidelines as provided. Guidelines for functions held in community sites not operated by PCOA may vary.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90ADPI0055-01-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

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