We are excited to announce that Aging Well Arizona, a NARBHA Institute initiative, will partner with NAZADA. The NARBHA Institute is a Flagstaff-based nonprofit which advances wellbeing in Northern Arizona and serves as a catalyst of transformative solutions.
Charlton Wilson, a physician and transformational fellow with NARBHA, was intrigued to learn how NAZADA serves as a resource for care partners of persons with dementia. NAZADA does this by providing helpful links on our website, free quarterly workshops, our Majestic Mountain (memory) café, and a respite program. Wilson said NAZADA’s work is in line with the NARBHA Institute’s aspirations, and he asked the magic, transformational question, “what can we do to help you?”
The answer to this question become clearer after a November 6th, 2023 workshop in Flagstaff hosted by Aging Well Arizona.
A longtime NAZADA goal has been to become a Dementia Friendly Community. Already there are 10 such cities in Arizona who help improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners. The work includes decreasing stigma, increasing opportunities for meaningful social interaction, and offering support as people with dementia face continually changing needs.
Janice Greeno, the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Dementia Friendly City Arizona state lead presented November 6th. Greeno joined Brandon Baxter from NACOG’s Area Agency on Aging, NAZADA board members, and NAU researchers Michael McCarthy, PhD., and Eric Cerino, PhD. The presenters helped the audience understand the gravity of Alzheimer’s and dementias as they offered ideas to improve the quality of life for afflicted individuals and their caregivers.
The Flagstaff event also included breakout sessions. Community members and officials from Coconino County shared personal experiences and responded to thought-provoking questions about improving quality of life related to dementia and its effects on our community. Results from the breakout sessions and videos from the event can be seen at agingwellaz.org
NAZADA’s Board is grateful to be invited to partner with the NARBHA Institute. Our goals for the Aging Well Arizona initiative are closely aligned, and the partnership will surely benefit our greater community.
For information about dementia friendly communities, go to https://www.dfamerica.org/toolkit-getting-started.