The saying “it takes a village” originates from an African proverb. It is meant to convey the message that it takes many people (“the village”) to provide a safe, healthy environment for raising children.

The same can be said for those caring for someone with memory loss. Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available for families in Flagstaff who have a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or some other form of memory loss. 

Why Caregiver Support is Key

Everything changes when your loved one has dementia, not just their memory. 

For example, memory loss is frequently accompanied by changes in appetite and eating habits.  Each person’s experience will be different, so it’s hard to predict what changes your loved one might experience. 

People who have a greater sense of purpose in life are more likely to have slower rates of mental decline, decreased mortality, and increased happiness in old age. In fact, in a study of 7,135 older adults, participants who volunteered for 100 or more hours per year experienced a 63% decrease in the decline of physical function in contrast with those who did not volunteer.

That’s why learning more about Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia is so important. 

5 Caregiver Support Resources for Flagstaff Families

Here are five valuable caregiver resources for Flagstaff families of those with memory loss:

1. The Northern Arizona Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance has events for those living with or affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias as well as their caregivers and is located just south of the heart of Flagstaff.
   
   
2. The Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter provides education and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias throughout the community, including those living with the disease, caregivers, health care professionals, and families, and is headquartered 150 miles south of Flagstaff in Phoenix.
   
3. The Early-stage Partners In Care program (EPIC), a collaborative team that includes the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the Department of Economic Security Aging & Adult Services, Arizona State University, and the Area Agencies on Aging, is intended to assist people with early-stage memory loss and their care partners by providing free early-stage related education and training workshops designed to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and help manage challenges.
   
4. The Banner Alzheimer’s Institute offers a wide range of educational, informative, and supportive sessions for patients, caregivers, and families. Classes are free unless otherwise noted, and the institute is located 150 miles south of Flagstaff in Phoenix.
   
5. Caregiver Workshops at Highgate at Flagstaff are free in-person or virtual workshops that offer tips for interacting or caring for individuals with dementia. Flagstaff’s caregiver workshops are hosted by Karin Von Kay. Karin discovered Dementia Friends USA in 2017, and after researching the program with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, she decided to follow her passion and become a Dementia Friends Champion. 

To learn about more caregiver resources in the Flagstaff area, read our eBook Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care for Family Caregivers in Flagstaff.