Dementia
We understand that receiving a diagnosis of memory impairment or caring for a loved one living with dementia poses many challenges. Feelings of frustration and confusion are common and completely normal, especially as communication becomes more difficult with your loved one and unexpected mood swings occur. With the help of our Memory Care Navigators, you can become more aware of the condition and its effect on your loved one’s abilities, as well as adapt and react to the changes it may bring. Seeking professional support can make caregiving less stressful and will likely improve the quality of your relationship with your loved one.
About Dementia
Dementia is commonly associated with a wide range of symptoms related to a decline in memory or other thinking skills, severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. There are different types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease being the most common, that develops due to brain cell damage. This damage affects people differently based on the impacted area.
While symptoms vary depending on the individual and stage of the disease, most often people with dementia have problems with memory loss, communication and finding words, reasoning and judgement, visual perception, difficulty with coordination and motor functions, confusion and disorientation and ability to focus and pay attention.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, there are treatment options that may temporarily improve symptoms, including medication and therapy.
How We Can Help
Personalized Recommendations
Our Memory Care Navigators work with program participants, families and caregivers to create a plan tailored to the needs of the person with the diagnosis of memory impairment.
Education
Memory Care Navigators and educational resources are available to help you understand dementia as new challenges arise in different stages.
Support
We offer personal guidance and support for program participants, family members and caregivers who are coping with the emotional, psychological and physical effects of dementia.
Upcoming Memory Care and Brain Health Classes
The best way to manage dementia is to learn about the health condition and how to control it. Consider attending a class to learn how you can maintain a good quality of life while living with dementia.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group-In-Person
Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigator team invites you to join this Support Group that offers a welcoming and understanding community where you can find comfort, guidance, and a renewed sense of strength.
An Overview of Dementia Care
Join Calli Carlson, OTR/L, CLT from Hospice of the Valley for a discussion on how to ‘validate, connect and redirect’ a loved one with dementia. This presentation will describe the progress of dementia and how meeting unmet needs may prevent or alleviate behavioral expressions of distress.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is a general term describing problems with reasoning, planning, judgement, memory and other thought processes caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to the brain. Dr. Parichita Choudhury from the Banner Sun Health Research Institute will teach you about the risk factors and ways to prevent developing vascular dementia.
Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor’s Visits, Legal & Financial Planning
Learn how to have honest and caring conversations about common concerns when someone begins to show signs of dementia. This presentation is offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter.
Upcoming Dementia Support Groups
Ask questions and get answers about dementia. Our support groups encourage people to share their own experience and gain insight from others going through similar circumstances.
Looking for additional community resources? Download our West Valley Memory Resources flier to browse upcoming support groups and online classes hosted by Banner Sun Health Research Institute and Benevilla.
Tips for Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis for the Holiday Season-Hybrid Class
Join us to come up with a plan that will take what you know about the person with dementia and use it to minimize the chaos and maximize the comfort and joy!
Dementia Caregiver Support Group-In-Person
This support group is led by Sun Health Wellness.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group-In-Person
This support group is led by Sun Health Wellness.
Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body: Tips from the Latest Research
Healthy aging starts with forming healthy habits! We will talk about the latest research providing insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Learn about strategies and hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a place for healthy aging.
Thank you for your interest in our class.
To register, contact us at 6234719355or use the class registration link below.
Registration Is Required.
Space Is Limited.
Hearing Loss and Brain Health
It’s important to understand that hearing loss affects how the brain works. Hearing loss affects the information that enters our ears and impedes the ability to process language. Does this ‘sound’ kind of funny? Dan Hewson, Audiologist, will talk about the 5 factors of hearing loss that cause a decrease in brain function.
To register, contact us at (623) 471-9355.
Impact Stories
You’re not alone in your health journey. Meet some of the community members whose lives were forever impacted from participating in our health and wellness programs, classes and support groups.
Larry Randall
Larry shares his experience with the Sun Health Wellness Diabetes Self-Management program, including how it helped him lose over 50 pounds.
Shirley Frizell
When Shirley’s husband Bill was diagnosed with dementia and started to lose independence, she leaned on Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigator program.
Judi and Alan Hughes
Judi and Alan Hughes’ journey through the twists and turns of a dementia diagnosis is all too common. They share their experience with Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigator program.
Barbara Pigott
After Barbara’s husband Dave passed away in 2016, she felt profoundly numb. When she needed someone to turn to, she discovered a grief support group offered by Sun Health Wellness.
Ken Barberi and Mary Lou
When Mary Lou was diagnosed with dementia, Ken became her full-time caregiver. But he hasn’t been alone. Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigator program has been by his side through their journey.
Gina and Jim
When Gina’s husband was diagnosed with dementia, she turned to the Memory Care Navigator program. Now, Gina and Jim are traveling their new journey with a better sense of direction.
Jim and Maria Eagar
After 45 years of marriage, Jim and Maria Eagar had plenty of experience leaning on each other through life’s twists and turns—even through the difficult journey of Maria’s memory loss.
Lee Roach
After being diagnosed with diabetes, Lee enrolled in the Sun Health Wellness Diabetes Self-Management Education Program. She shares how it’s helped her turn her health and wellbeing around.
Sandi and Bob Johnson
The support and guidance from navigators like Marty help improve the lives of program clients in ways big and small, whether locating the right support group or having a caring shoulder to lean on in a difficult moment. Clients praise the program for all it offers at such critical times in their lives.
LiveWell Magazine
Class Calendar
We update our class calendar every month and always have new topics to cover.
