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 Program Supervisor, Vianey Hernandez and Certified Options Counselor, 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.

 

Demencia 101: Introducción a la Demencia
(90 minutos / 6 participantes) Por todos 18+.
Descubra qué es la demencia y cómo afecta a las personas, familias y comunidades. Explore los signos comunes, compare los principales tipos de demencia y descubra cómo abordar los problemas de memoria.

Memory Loss: Progressions, Behaviors, and Interventions Part 1
(90 minutes / 6 participants) For Family members & caregivers.
Explore the progression of dementia, brain changes that occur, and considerations throughout the disease progression.

Pérdida de Memoria: Progresiones, Comportamientos e Intervenciones Parte 1
(90 minutos / 6 participantes) Por familiares et cuidadores.
Explore la progresión de la demencia, los cambios cerebrales que ocurren y las consideraciones durante la progresión de la enfermedad.

Memory Loss: Progressions, Behaviors, and Interventions Part 2
(90 minutes / 6 participants) For Family members & caregivers.
Look at caregiving strategies, common challenges, how to approach them, and ideas for activities and planning the day as a caregiver.

Pérdida de Memoria: Progresiones, Comportamientos e Intervenciones Parte 2
(90 minutos / 6 participantes) Por familiares et cuidadores.
Analiza estrategias de cuidado, retos comunes, cómo abordarlos e ideas para actividades y planificación del día como cuidador.

IDEA! Strategy
(90 minutes / 6 participants) For Family members & caregivers.
A 3-step strategy to understand the reasons behind dementia-related behaviors and respond effectively.

Estrategia IDEA!
(90 minutos / 6 participantes) Por familiares et cuidadores.
Una estrategia de 3 pasos para entender las causas detrás de los comportamientos relacionados con la demencia y responder eficazmente.

End of Life Care Planning When Living with a Dementia Diagnosis
(90 minutes / 6 participants) For everyone 18+.
Gain an understanding of end-of-life care decisions, advance directives and special considerations for those living with dementia.

Un Viaje con Dignidad: Cuidados al Final
(90 minutos / 6 participantes) Por todos 18+.
Comprenda las decisiones de cuidado al final de la vida, las directivas anticipadas y las consideraciones especiales para quienes viven con demencia.

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.

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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