Dementia Caregiving
A challenging journey
Hospice of the Valley has two programs to support families caring for a loved one with dementia. We understand how frustrating it can be at times... and how it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
We support those who are caring for loved ones in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, not on hospice. This program is funded through private payment from the patient/family and by grants.
Palliative Care for Dementia
We help family members caring for a loved one with late stage dementia, who are on our hospice service. The cost is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
We lend emotional support. Social workers assist with medical decisions like living wills and recommend community resources. They help you meet the challenges of caring for someone who can’t communicate daily needs.
We bring family caregivers spiritual comfort. Sometimes it’s a quiet presence beside you, bringing solace through empathetic listening and conversation. If desired, our chaplains comfort with prayer, meditation and music.
We help keep loved ones comfortable and provide medical expertise to overwhelmed family members. Our doctors and nurses educate caregivers about what to expect as dementia progresses.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging—physically and emotionally. June deeply loves her husband, but this candid interview also reveals the sadness, isolation—and at times anger—she experiences watching parts of him slip away. We provide support to help her understand this long journey and how to care for herself, as well as her beloved Les-- to make every moment matter.
RESPITE FOR CAREGIVERS
There may be times when caregivers simply need a rest or a break. We have the only inpatient home designed exclusively for those with dementia. Loved ones can stay at Gardiner Home for up to five days to provide relief to weary caregivers.
MINDFULNESS FOR CAREGIVERS
Mindfulness meditation has been scientifically shown to reduce stress, chronic pain, insomnia, even depression in caregivers who are often overwhelmed by exhaustion and loneliness.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
There are community education events and monthly support groups to help caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and several other types of dementias.
We provide online support for dementia care partners who are caring for a loved one with dementia. Learn best practices and share experiences.
Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease can find help on the Alzheimer’s Association’s Desert Southwest Chapter support groups page.
Duet helps families cope with the responsibility of caring for a loved one with dementia with workshops, mentoring and community support groups.
Central Phoenix Advocates for Dementia Awareness (CADA) holds monthly socials and quarterly talks featuring dementia speakers. Suzette Armijo at (602)478-6972 or check CADA's fb page.
The top questions that caregivers ask when learning about dementia.
Personal stories and educational videos for caregivers.