Oakwood Creative Care Day Clubs

Nonprofit Adult Day Clubs & Dementia Support

Discover the Difference
Community Can Make!

"Innovative Support for Members & Their Families

At Oakwood Creative Care, you’ll find a supportive community providing so much more than just “adult day centers” or “day care for seniors”.

In our day clubs located throughout east valley Arizona, you’ll discover experts who are passionate about helping those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or stroke. Through enjoyable engagement activities and exploration, our members find new talents and hobbies every day.

Our Dementia Hub cultivates a community of care partners through various family support services. We offer Memory Cafés, support groups, and dementia coaching sessions with our experts who are passionate to ease the burden on care partners, so their loved one can remain living at home.

In short, we believe in “treatment beyond a pill” and will support your loved one to retain their sense of independence and ensure they feel respected and dignified."

Mayo Clinic - Ways to reduce dementia risk

"Researchers continue to look for ways to prevent or reduce the risk of dementia. You probably already know to exercise, eat healthy and keep your brain engaged. Here are some other strategies found to have a positive effect:

Use your hearing aid - When hearing loss is present, a hearing aid can help you tune in to conversations with others. With this, you maintain social connections and help areas of your brain stay active.

Watch less television - Watching TV is considered a passive cognitive activity, which means it doesn't exercise your brain.

Read more - Schooling in childhood helps build up your brain reserve. But even if you didn't get very far with formal education, evidence suggests that reading in your later years makes up for that deficit by maintaining your reserve.

Avoid vitamin deficiencies - Eating foods packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables and fruits, helps provide your brain with optimal fuel. If you can't get enough nutrients through your diet, a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement may help. Excess alcohol consumption is a common cause of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, so keep your alcohol consumption to a moderate level.

Optimize sleep - A good night's rest rejuvenates your brain. Wake up every day around the same time to set your internal clock. Have a relaxing bedtime routine that avoids TV or digital devices. If you snore or still feel tired after a full night's sleep, talk to your healthcare team about the possibility of sleep apnea.

Improve your vascular health - Managing high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure keeps blood circulating smoothly to the heart and brain.

Keep your step count high and brisk - Walking has a major impact on health. Walking has been shown to reduce dementia risk, as well, with the greatest reduction occurring at just under 10,000 steps a day. You'll see even bigger benefits with more steps per minute."

For more information on Dementia, see the site listed below:

Alzheimer's Association -Build an Action Plan with ALZNavigator

"Whether you're a caregiver, a person living with dementia, or someone concerned about memory loss, find the support you need with ALZNavigator™. Just answer a few questions about your situation and ALZNavigator will guide you to the resources and tools you need today and throughout each step of the disease — all in one place."

What you can do with ALZNavigator -

• Learn what to expect and how to prepare for the future.
• Get connected with local resources and find support.
• Gain the confidence to live well through every stage of the disease.

For more information on the ALZNavigator, check the following site.

Resources for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers

AFA provides a wide variety of resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. Whether you are just starting out on your journey with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or have been on the journey for a while, we are here for you. No one is alone on their journey.

The importance of resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers.

A strong support system is essential for an Alzheimer’s caregiver. AFA was founded by a family caregiver to be a resource for caregivers and a place they can turn to for help, guidance and support in their time of need. It is vital for caregivers to be supported and equipped to give their loved ones the best care possible.

AFA offers a number of different resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, including:

AFA’s National Toll-Free Helpline

AFA’s Helpline is available 7 days a week. Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t take a day off, so neither do we.

Our Helpline is staffed entirely by licensed, dementia-trained social workers because we understand that when you need help, you want a qualified professional on the other end of the line.

We take calls, texts, or chats in 90+ languages to help those in need.

10 Steps for Healthy Aging

Living a healthy lifestyle becomes even more important for better aging. The things we do to keep body and heart healthy—nutritious diet, physical activity, and social connections – also can help promote brain health and wellness. Here are 10 steps for successful aging:

Alzheimers.gov - Find Dementia Care and Support Services

A person with dementia will need more support over time. Resources are available to help.

Learn about support, resources, and services. Check the following link.

Copper Creek Inn - Memory Care Community, Hourly & Respite Care

Memory care is not an afterthought.
It’s our only thought.

"Reminiscence is a powerful way to connect with those living with a form of dementia, Alzheimer’s, or memory loss. Our specialized community environments and personalized care model reconnect your loved ones to their cherished memories—helping to create a deep sense of purpose for them. At Koelsch, your loved one’s uniqueness is honored as a lady or gentleman served by ladies and gentlemen."

Welcome to Distinctive Memory Care including hourly & Respite Care

Check this link for more information.

NIH - Preventing Alzheimer's Disease: What Do We Know?

"Changes in the brain occur many years before the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear. These early brain changes point to a possible window of opportunity to prevent or delay memory loss and other symptoms of dementia. While nothing has been proven yet to prevent Alzheimer’s, researchers have identified promising strategies and are learning more about what might — and might not — work."

"A 2017 review of research looked carefully at the evidence from clinical research on ways to prevent, delay, or slow Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or delay or slow age-related cognitive decline."

"Led by a committee of experts from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), the review found “encouraging but inconclusive” evidence for three types of interventions: blood pressure management in people with high blood pressure, increased physical activity, and cognitive training."

See this article for some insight into what might help to prevent or slow the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Can I Prevent Dementia?

"As you age, you may have concerns about the increased risk of dementia. You may have questions, too. Are there steps I can take to prevent it? Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk? There are currently no approaches that have been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. However, as with many other diseases, there may be steps you can take to help reduce your risk."

Check out this article from Alzheimers.gov: Can I Prevent Dementia? (alzheimers.gov)

Alzhheimers.gov - Can I Prevent Dementia?

"As you age, you may have concerns about the increased risk of dementia. You may have questions, too. Are there steps I can take to prevent it? Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk? There are currently no approaches that have been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. However, as with many other diseases, there may be steps you can take to help reduce your risk."

Check out this very informative site about Alzheimer's.

AARP - 5 Ways Technology Can Make Life Easier for Caregivers of Dementia Patients

Wearables, smart homes and other solutions may help, though one size doesn’t fit all

Everyday technology that people use around the house — including doorbell cameras, smart speakers and wrist-worn trackers — can help those suffering from cognitive decline. The tech may ease the burden on caregivers, too.

“Every family caregiver’s number one priority is their loved one’s safety,” says Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “And this is where technology can play an important and helpful role, especially if the caregiver and their family member who is living with dementia don’t reside in the same home.”

No solution works for all Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

“Dementia-related illnesses affect everyone differently,” Reeder says.

This article from AARP helps to explain the ways that technology can be useful when caring for patients with dementia.

CDC - Caregiving

Caregiving -

There are steps you can take to help you navigate caregiving for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related Dementia. Access helpful resources and learn more about Caregiving.

What to know -

• Family members or friends often become caregivers for adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
• While caregiving can be rewarding, it can also be hard on the caregiver's health.
• Over half of family caregivers provide care for four years or more.
• There are ways to care for yourself while caring for others.

For more information on caregiving from the Center for Disease Control check the link below.

National Institute on Aging (NIH) - Alzheimer's Caregiving

Alzheimer’s caregiving

Caregiving is an important job, and caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease comes with unique challenges. Find tips for responding to changes in communication and behavior, providing everyday care, and finding help when needed.

Related topics: Alzheimer's and relationships, Alzheimer's changes in behavior and communication, Caregiving, Legal and financial planning, Safety

For more information from the NIH on Alzheimer's click the link below.

City of Maricopa Community Center - Dementia and Alzheimer's Support Groups

As part of their senior programming, the City of Maricopa Community Center hosts Care giver's dementia or Alzheimer's Support groups the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (free).

A safe, supportive environment where you can share your experiences and encourage other caregivers in their journey.

Check the City of Maricopa Community/Senior Center senior programming schedule on this website to confirm specific events and times.

Angel Adult Day Care Center

Bringing Cheer, Comfort, Compassion, and Care to each Participant

"Angel Adult Day Center acts as an alternative or supplement to home care, and an alternative to moving to assisted living or a nursing home to receive care. Our center enables continued community-based living for individuals with physical and cognitive limitations and provides respite for their caregivers. We also offer exercise classes and activities for those active seniors that just want a place to socialize and stay active with their mind and bodies. Our program and activities are designed to include all skill levels that will enrich the mind and body. At Angel Adult Day Center we believe that no two individuals are the same, therefore our staff takes the time to get to know all of our members as we assist them in doing what they love.

For more information check the website.

Videos from Aging with Dignity regarding Alzheimer's and Dementia

From Aging with Dignity:

For nearly 25 years Aging with Dignity has defended the God-given right of the elderly, disabled, and mentally ill to have their human dignity respected and safeguarded, particularly in times of serious illness. Its Five Wishes publication is America’s most popular advance care planning tool that has helped countless families get the kind of end-of-life care they desire.

Video series -

Reminiscing with Dementia and Alzheimer's | Mind and Body Series -

BONUS EPISODE: Reminiscing with Dementia and Alzheimer's | Mind and Body Series (youtube.com)

Margaret McGahon adds in a bonus episode on reminiscing for a situation so many of us have experienced personally to some degree - reminiscing with a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's. Even though it may not feel like it, this practice of recalling memories, helps stave off cognitive decline in those with dementia or Alzheimer's, and it is a spiritually rewarding experience for everyone involved.

All the previous “reminiscing” episodes can be viewed on our YouTube channel: Aging with Dignity - YouTube

To begin the "reminiscing episodes:

Reminiscing: Birth and Infancy | Mind and Body Series (youtube.com)

Margaret McGahon begins her series on understanding the self with these reflections on birth and infancy. These in-depth videos allow us to enter into the mystery of "Who am I?" and what those implications are for ourselves and for our families.

The Signs of Hidden Grief -

The Signs of Hidden Grief (youtube.com)

This video series will be helpful to people of many faith traditions or those with no particular religious affiliation. Margaret is an accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist with extensive background and teaching experience in psychology and counseling, and has created several human development programs, including Deeper Living. She also is the author of Trauma and Belief: An Irish Perspective.

Preventing Unfinished Business -

Preventing Unfinished Business (youtube.com)

In this week’s episode, counselor Margaret McGahon encourages us to make the most of every moment with our loved ones. Whether that's sharing fond memories with each other or hashing out disputes or differences. McGahon reminds us of the sober reality — "we all will face death, and it's best that we do not leave any unfinished business." She points to country music as a genre that understands grief remarkably well saying, "Country and western song artists are very attuned to the grief process — don't know what it is, but they depict is very well."