Memory Care Navigator
Misplacing items. Repeating questions. Forgetting previous conversations. It can be frightening and painful to watch a loved one experience memory lapses, behavioral changes and functional decline brought on by dementia. Unfortunately, memory loss can be a part of the aging process, and we must learn to adapt to these changes.
While there may not be a medical cure to help ease the suffering of memory loss, there are ways our professionals can help to assist with the care and management of persons with dementia.
How We Can Help
The Sun Health Memory Care Navigator is someone you can depend on to share knowledge about dementia and available community resources. The Navigator helps minimize the stress of supporting a loved one with this chronic disease. The program, offered at no charge thanks to the generous funding of Sun Health Foundation, provides personalized guidance for program participants, family members and caregivers coping with the emotional, psychological and physical effects of dementia.
The Navigator is an invaluable resource to program participants, family members and caregivers. The Navigator serves as a personal guide for you or your loved one through your health journey. A Memory Care Navigator Plan can:
- Assess the needs of a program participant and provide confidential consultation to the family
- Develop a personalized plan of care that addresses and supports the program participant’s health and health-related needs
- Link family members to education, support groups and assistive services in the West Valley
- Be an ongoing resource for families and caregivers as new challenges arise through different stages of dementia
- Educate program participants and families about available local clinical trials that they may discuss with their physicians
- Collaborate with and communicate recommendations to each program participant’s physician
Benefits of Memory Care Navigator
The Memory Care Navigator provides personalized guidance for those living with memory loss, family members and caregivers coping with the emotional, psychological and physical effects of dementia.
Personal Support
The Navigator serves as a liaison between program participants and families, and their physicians.
Needs Assessment
An assessment of the program participant’s and family’s needs is done through a confidential consultation.
Personalized Care Plan
Individuals receive a personalized plan of care that addresses and supports their health-related needs.
Support Groups
Local support groups and assistive services are recommended for individuals and their family members.
Educational Resources
Resources, tips and support are available as new challenges arise throughout different stages of dementia.
Health Care References
The Navigator can refer families and program participants to health care services to help address other chronic medical conditions associated with dementia.
Personal Support
The Navigator serves as a liaison between program participants and families, and their physicians.
Needs Assessment
An assessment of the program participant’s and family’s needs is done through a confidential consultation.
Personalized Care Plan
Individuals receive a personalized plan of care that addresses and supports their health-related needs.
Support Groups
Local support groups and assistive services are recommended for individuals and their family members.
Educational Resources
Resources, tips and support are available as new challenges arise throughout different stages of dementia.
Health Care References
The Navigator can refer families and program participants to health care services to help address other chronic medical conditions associated with dementia.
Upcoming Memory Care Support Groups
Our support groups encourage people to share their own experience and connect with others and gain insight from others going through similar circumstances. No registration is required for support groups.
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.
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.
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
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.
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.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Class Calendar
We update our class calendar every month and always have new topics to cover.
