Publication of Pima Council on Aging, Helping Pima County Age Well Since 1967.
Volunteers PUBLICATION OF PIMA COUNCIL ON AGING, HELPING PIMA COUNTY AGE WELL SINCE 1967 Never Too Late ISSUE 2 || MARCH & APRIL 2026 CELEBRATING
April is National Volunteer Month
INSIDE Marian Lupu’s Legacy p. 4 Shared Perspectives for Care Partners p. 6 Lessons Learned on My Dementia Care Partnership Journey p. 8 Property Tax Breaks for Older Adults p. 16 Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde p. 22
Hearts of Gold volunteers Amol Kurane and Barb Brownlie. See p. 19
INDEPENDENCE VITALITY RESPECT VISIT US AT pcoa.org
INSIDE
PCOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Aging In Our Community . . . . ..... 3 Marian Lupu’s Legacy . . . . . ....... 4 Philanthropy . . . . . . . . . ........... 5 Shared Perspectives for Care Partners . . . . . . . . . ........... 6 Lessons Learned on My Dementia Care Partnership Journey . . . . ..... 8 Caregiver Support . . . . . . ....... 11 Dementia Capable Southern Arizona . . . . . . . ....... 12 Healthy Living . . . . . . . . ......... 14 Ending Life Well . . . . . . . ........ 15 Rights & Benefits . . . . . . ........ 16 Medicare . . . . . . . . . . ........... 18 Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . .......... 19 Neighbors Care Alliance . . . . .... 20 Nunca Es Demasiado Tard . . . ... 22
Estella R. Searcy, Chair Beth Smith, Vice Chair Ava S. Butler, Secretary Kristin Norstad, Treasurer Agnes C. Poore, RN, Immediate Past Chair
Never Too Late is published by Pima Council on Aging, the Area Agency on Aging, Region II. Material from Never Too Late may be reprinted when permission is given and attribution is used along with ©PCOA 2026. Editor Debbie Rich, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5043 drich@pcoa.org Graphic Designer Rebecca Manchester rmanchester@pcoa.org Advertising Jan Slonaker, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5076 jslonaker@pcoa.org Editorial and Advertising Deadline for Next Bi-Monthly Issue MARCH 23, 2026 Please include a contact person name and phone number with all submitted material. All articles are subject to editing in accordance with technical and policy guidelines but will not be altered in content without permission of the author. Publication of submissions is not guaranteed. Ads are not to be considered as PCOA endorse- ments of products, services, or individuals.
Paula Chronister Piper Frithsen, RN Linda Hollis, PhD, EdS, MS, CPG
Christina Noz, Esq. C. Mary Okoye, Esq. Denise Taylor R. Wayne Wood, MD
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Tucson and Pima County businesses, are you looking for a way to reach the 60+ market? Advertise with us and reach over 7,500 readers! Never Too Late is distributed at no cost in local grocery stores, libraries, community centers, and other venues frequented by older adults and caregivers along with a digital edition that receives over 1,200 views monthly. Contact Jan Slonaker at jslonaker@pcoa.org or (520) 790-7573 ext. 5076 for more information.
Read Never Too Late online at nevertoolate.pcoa.org
LET'S CONNECT Access our services is by calling our Helpline 8:30 am–5:00 pm Monday through Friday at (520) 790-7262 or emailing help@pcoa.org . Our 600 S. Country Club Rd. building is open for those requiring in-person assistance.
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Pima Council on Aging
AGING IN OUR COMMUNITY A Message from Our President & CEO, Robert Ojeda, PhD
A s I reflect on my first year as President and CEO of Pima Council on Aging, I am struck above all by the resilience of the older adults we serve and the extraordinary dedication of the people who stand beside them every day. This year has been one of listening, learning, and reaffirming who we are at our core. We have deepened our commitment to grassroots engagement and to a simple but powerful truth: aging with dignity is a human right. That belief guides every decision we make and every partnership we build. Across Pima County, our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to meet the most basic needs of older adults who are struggling to survive. People choosing between food and medication, wondering how they will pay rent, or trying to remain safely in the homes and communities they love. These are not abstract challenges; they are daily realities for thousands of our neighbors.
At the same time, our work has become more difficult. Rising costs, shrinking government funding, and growing uncertainty across our country place increasing pressure on aging services, just as the need continues to grow. Public funding remains essential, but it is no longer enough. That is why philanthropy matters now more than ever. Too often, people only learn about Pima Council on Aging when they are already in crisis. We want to change that. Our vision is a community where older adults are supported earlier, where dignity is protected before hardship becomes emergency, and where no one fades into the shadows because they lack resources or visibility. We cannot do this alone. I invite you to help us spread the word about our work and the resources we provide. I invite you to stand with us in supporting vulnerable older adults; your neighbors, your family members, and, one day, perhaps yourselves.
Robert Ojeda, PhD
Together, we can ensure that aging in Pima County means safety, connection, and dignity, not isolation or fear. With gratitude and resolve,
Robert Ojeda, PhD President and CEO Pima Council on Aging
March & April 2026, Never Too Late | Page 3
Pima Council on Aging
Marian Lupu: A Legacy of Dignity, Leadership, and Possibility WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Marian did not simply create an organization; she helped create a movement. One that recognized older adults as neighbors, caregivers,
volunteers, workers, and advocates. She believed services should meet people where they are, respond before crises occur, and strengthen the fabric of community rather than replace it. Her Legacy Today
March invites us to look back with gratitude and forward with intention. During Women’s History Month, we celebrate women whose leadership reshaped communities and expanded what was possible for those who came after them. For Marian Lupu, founder of Pima Council on Aging (PCOA), that legacy is not confined to history, it lives on every day in the lives of older adults across Pima County. When Marian Lupu helped establish PCOA, the idea that older adults deserved not just care, but dignity, choice, and a strong voice, was far from universal. Aging was often treated as a problem to be managed, not a stage of life to be supported with respect and opportunity. Marian challenged that narrative head-on. She understood something fundamental: aging services should be rooted in human rights, community connection, and economic security. Older adults are not defined by decline; they are defined by experience, resilience, and contribution. That belief became the foundation on which PCOA was built. A Woman Ahead of Her Time As a woman leading in a space that was both under-resourced and under-recognized, Marian’s leadership mattered in more ways than one. She modeled what women’s leadership could look like: collaborative, values-driven, and deeply grounded in lived experience. She listened first. She built partnerships. And she insisted that systems could do better.
Decades later, Marian Lupu’s vision continues to guide PCOA’s work. The programs may look different. The systems are more complex. The challenges of housing instability, food insecurity, caregiving strain, and social isolation are more urgent than ever. But the core values remain unchanged. Every call answered, every benefit accessed, every ride provided, every meal delivered, and every caregiver supported carries forward Marian’s belief that aging with dignity is not a privilege, it is a right. Her legacy also lives in the women who lead, serve, and shape PCOA today: staff, volunteers, board members, partners, and the thousands of older women across our community whose strength and wisdom continue to inspire change. Never Too Late to Lead Women’s History Month reminds us that progress is built by people who see possibilities where others see limits. Marian Lupu saw possibility in older adults, in community, and in a
future where aging is met with respect rather than fear. At PCOA, we hold that legacy with care and responsibility. We know that honoring Marian’s life means continuing to ask hard questions, to adapt, and to lead with courage and compassion. Because it is never too late to build something better. And it is never too late to honor the women who showed us how. ◆ Generosity of Spirit: Marian pictured in front of the wardrobe for the Dancing in the Streets 2013 production of the Nutcracker. Photo by A.E. Araiza/ Arizona Daily Star.
WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more about Marian and her important work bit.ly/MarianLupuLegacy
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Pima Council on Aging
PHILANTHROPY
Why Philanthropy. Why Now. A Call to Partnership with Pima Council on Aging
Funding Landscape Federal Context: Federal aging funds are foundational, but limited in scope and adaptability. These resources prioritize service delivery but often restrict innovation, integration, and early intervention. State Context: State funding remains essential yet subject to shifting priorities and competing demands. While vital, it often lacks the flexibility required to respond to rapidly evolving community needs. Local Context: Local funding supports baseline services, but relies on fragmented and time-limited grants. These constraints leave gaps in prevention, coordination, and capacity building. Role of Philanthropy: Philanthropy provides the flexibility and foresight necessary to strengthen systems, support innovation, and ensure continuity of care beyond the limits of public funding. ◆
coordination, workforce stability, and continuous improvement—areas public funding is often unable to support. Older adults in Pima County are facing heightened housing instability, food insecurity, caregiving stress, and social isolation. At this critical moment, PCOA is positioned to translate organizational renewal into expanded impact, strengthening existing services while advancing integrated, community-based solutions. What Philanthropic Partnership Makes Possible • Rapid response to complex and urgent situations. • Retention of experienced staff serving the most vulnerable older adults. • Stronger partnerships across healthcare, housing, and social services. • Investment in evaluation, learning, and innovation. • Prevention of crises that lead to institutionalization, hospitalization, or homelessness.
Public funding plays a critical role in supporting aging services; however, it is not structured to fully address the complexity, pace, and scale of need facing older adults today. Federal, state, and local resources are increasingly constrained by eligibility requirements, limited flexibility, and short funding horizons. As costs rise and demand grows, these limitations leave significant gaps in prevention, coordination, and timely intervention. Philanthropy is essential to bridge these gaps. Flexible philanthropic investment allows Pima Council on Aging to stabilize core services while responding dynamically to emerging challenges. Unrestricted and strategic funding supports early intervention, cross-system
Aging with dignity is a human right.
But older adults in Pima County are struggling to survive. You can help. Give Now at donate.pcoa.org
March & April 2026, Never Too Late | Page 5
Pima Council on Aging
Shared Perspectives for Care Partners By Ava S. Butler GUEST EDITORIALS
Cherish the beautiful moments and keep them in the forefront of your mind. There are plenty of moments of pure hell and they will take over your consciousness if you don’t try hard to balance your thoughts. For me it was the tender kiss that still took my breath away, the gentleness of Richard placing his hand on top of mine, and his beautiful blue eyes on the days they still twinkled. Or the way that Richard’s face lit up when one of his caregiver’s daughters sang him a song she learned in school that day and we all sang the ABC’s song together. Find joy in the beauty of the world around you. Take time to acknowledge when the sun is shining, the birds are singing, a hummingbird is outside the window, the leaves are turning or the neighborhood children are playing gleefully in the pool. Be grateful for the big and small acts of kindness that others show you. Be vulnerable enough to let people help in ways you would never ask for or even think of. Kindness comes from people you know and from complete strangers who jump to action when they see you need help. Several years ago, a man at the Safeway came to our rescue when Richard was hallucinating (due to his Lewy body dementia) and very afraid. He was running away from me calling for help and I couldn’t get him in our car. The man stopped pumping gas to tell Richard he would help. He told Richard that he was safe and offered him his water as I finally got Richard to take
Parkinson’s increases your risk signifi - cantly. My dear husband, Richard had both. Richard died when he was 65. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s on May 26, 2010, and he left the earth on March 26, 2017. That’s the average amount of time between diagnosis and death. Seven years. Seven short and very long years. I’m an organizational development consultant and I specialize in partnering with business leaders to achieve transformational change. I’ve lead dozens of large scale change projects, most of them moving individuals, teams and organizations to a stronger and better place. I think of change as a positive thing and managing transfor- mational change is my life’s calling. But not all change is wanted, and not all change has a happy ending. My dear husband’s condition took over our lives. We fought a battle every day that we could not win. Richard’s ending wasn’t fast, and it wasn’t pretty. It was costly, time consuming and emotionally draining. No drug could save him and although there is hope for future generations afflicted with these diseases , it was too late for Richard. We made it the best it could be, but our efforts didn’t change the outcome. I managed the change that nobody wants. There’s an irony to unwanted change happening to the change expert. And although my background provides helpful skills and experience, I was in uncharted waters. I learned every day, whether I wanted to or not. Here’s some of what I’ve learned. I hope its advice that you can use if you too are dealing with any change you don’t want and can’t avoid.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60. Men have a somewhat higher risk than women. While the average age at onset is 60, some people are diagnosed at 40 or younger. It’s a disorder of the central nervous system that results from the loss of cells in various parts of the brain, including the part that produces dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for transmitting signals within the brain that allow for coordination of movement. Loss of dopamine causes neurons to fire without normal control, leaving patients less able to direct or control their movement. Lewy body dementia (LBD) is not as well-known as Alzheimer’s, but it is the second most common form of dementia. More than 1.3 million Americans are impacted by LBD, but little public attention is paid to this lesser-known disorder. The disease did get a boost in publicity when Robin Williams was diagnosed with LBD after his suicide, but far more public information is needed. Lewy body dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative dementia closely associated with Parkinson’s disease. LBD is also a form of Parkinsonism, meaning that it includes some of the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. While most people with Parkinson’s do not also develop Lewy body dementia, studies suggest that having
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Pima Council on Aging
Know that others are grieving too. And they might say or do things that are not helpful to you. But please remember that they are trying to do what they think is best. If someone is not helping you at all with their attitude or advice, don’t hesitate to ask them to give you space. Turn yourself into a project manager extraordinaire.
his anxiety medicine. His help allowed Richard to calm down enough that I could get him home. It was early in Richard’s diagnosis, and I didn’t have it down yet. I think of that kind man often and am still so grateful for his help. Do the best that you can every day. And know that there will be days when your best may not be very impressive. But it’s the best that you can do for that moment. And that’s all you can ask of yourself. As they say on airplanes, “Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others.” You cannot help others if you are burning out yourself. Take the time to go out with friends, take a walk, or whatever makes you happy or at least gives you a break. Be kind to yourself. You will make silly mistakes due to stress, and big mistakes because you didn’t know any better at the time. There are days that you will not find joy in anything and that is to be expected. But try not to beat yourself up. Don’t be afraid of medical terms or doctors that tell you things you don’t understand. It’s their job to explain things to you. Ask questions and paraphrase back to ensure understanding. Ask again and again until you feel comfortable understanding the information you need to manage your situation. Talk about your predicament with forthright honesty. This lets others talk about it too. Learn to talk about uncomfortable topics that you never thought you would.
Do your best to accept your “new normal.”
Being the primary caregiver means managing lots of moving parts. Be as organized as you can. If this is not your skill set or you are too stressed out or busy to manage the many aspects of your loved one’s life, ask someone you trust to do it for you. And don’t think that once things are set up that they don’t need constant oversight. Situations can get out of hand fast without attention. For me, I managed a fabulous team of 24/7 caregivers, monitored the cleaning schedule I created, ensured Richard was eating a balanced diet, scheduled appointments, and purchased supplies and groceries. I also worked, and still made time to be with my husband. It was challenging, but I couldn’t have done all that without being a good project manager.
There is no point in expecting your life to be like it was before disease struck your life or like the lives of others in your peer group. Your life is different and special now and do what you can to enjoy it. Focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. For us, international travel was a big part of our lives, and we can’t do that anymore. We can’t travel together outside our hometown of Tucson at all. But we can get in the car with a caregiver and take a trip to our local mountains for an hour. A good day for Richard wasn’t anything like a good day for a healthy person. Using traditional standards to measure for a successful day is neither appropriate nor gratifying. Measure success by your own customized standards.
March & April 2026, Never Too Late | Page 7
Pima Council on Aging
GUEST EDITORIALS
Lessons Learned on My Dementia Care Partnership Journey By Tim Wernette
Help others like you find their way. Take the time to share what you’ve learned with others facing the same challenges you faced. I’ve learned so much through my journey and have been able to help others who are not as far along in their journey as I am. In turn, they support me too. Pray for the best and plan for the worst. Of course you want the best for your loved ones and yourself. Miracles do happen and I prayed for and even expected one. But I also needed to focus on more sobering things like financial planning scenarios and what to do when Richard needed a wheelchair. I wasn’t the only one managing the change that nobody wants. There are millions of people just like me, with every imaginable background and story. I hope I can help others, just as so many others helped me and still do. I welcome your reactions, comments and suggestions. ◆ Ava Butler is is a PCOA board member, organizational development consultant, and leadership consultant based in Tucson Arizona. She is the author of Parkinson’s: A Love Story with Dementia for Dessert, and Mission Critical Meetings: 81 Practical Facilitation Techniques. Connect with Ava at ava@avasbutler.com or (520) 404-9470. Learn more at avasbutler.com
faced with a significant decision: do I want to continue my partnership with the person with dementia and, if so, what will my role(s) likely be? In my case, this required me to confront my fantasy of what the latter part of my life and our lives would be like. My initial response was “I didn’t sign up for this when we got married!” Having someone to help navigate this important decision can be helpful. In my case, my Quaker pastor helped me determine that I wanted to honor my commitment to our marriage and to realize that this next phase(s) of my life would be an opportunity for me to grow in ways beneficial to me personally. Making a conscious decision doesn’t make the journey easy but can help to minimize resentment that the decision wasn’t a result of pressure from others or assumptions made by myself unconsciously.
Lesson 1: Test Early, Resist Denial Determining the beginning of my dementia care partnership journey is difficult because determining when my wife, Carolyn’s Alzheimer’s Disease began, is ambiguous. Differentiating between “normal” age-related memory loss and the beginning of dementia memory loss is challenging. This challenge is magnified by the tendency for both the person with dementia and their care partner(s)/family/loved one(s) to be in denial and to minimize the progression of the dementia behaviors. Having a primary health care provider who is both knowledgeable about and comfortable with dementia can be helpful, as well as access to testing facilities which can help determine if, how much, and what kind of dementia is present. Denial is common for everyone involved and may persist, sometimes for a lengthy period. Testing (both blood and brain scan) can help to push through the denial and to access services, both medical and social support. Lesson 2: Choosing Your Response and Role With current medical treatment(s), dementia is a prognosis of gradual deterioration ending in death. As dementia progresses, the burden for the care partner(s) usually increases. Consequently, the care partner is
Lesson 3: Asking for Help or Support is a Sign of Strength and Health
My involvement both professionally in gender studies and personally in the pro-feminist men’s movement helped me to understand that asking for help and support is a sign of emotional strength and health, not weakness. As soon as I made the decision to be a care partner with my wife, I began what I term “a crash course” on care partnership. That “crash course” opened my eyes to a remarkable dementia community of organizations and resources. I realized how fortunate I am to have so many resources available to me. My local agency on aging (Pima Council on Aging) and the local Alzheimer’s Association
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Pima Council on Aging
vs. incompetence; despair vs. hope. I’m forced to embrace a “both/and” rather than an “either/or” perception of my life. My grief is complicated: I’m challenged to both accept what is happening to my wife and our relationship and resist those changes by engaging in activities that tend to delay cognitive deterioration. Lesson 5: Delaying Cognitive Deterioration While at the present time there is no cure for the various kinds of dementia, there is research that indicates that there are activities that tend to delay dementia cognitive decline. My wife and I have been very fortunate to have discovered a unique local program: Elder Rehab. Developed by a retired University of Arizona psychology researcher, the program utilizes motivated UA students (many pursuing degrees in medicine or social services) who provide people with dementia with cognitive activities and physical exercises at a local gym. Carolyn also does weekly physical therapy. All of these have shown to slow cognitive decline. Another important activity is social engagement with others. We continue to usher at concerts for local classical musical organizations, and we participate in dementia-related activities that local organizations offer (mentioned above). We’re fortunate to live in a neighborly community with friends who support both of us. Our families, especially our two grown adult “children”, engage daily with us. Finally, sleep is an important factor, so we maintain good sleep “hygiene” in a quiet, dark bedroom and naps are taken during days with lots of activities.
DUET mentor who has been on his care partnership journey before me. A DUET 10-week course based on the book Loving Someone With Dementia by Pauline Boss was both a support group and an in-depth educational experience for me. I am also fortunate to be a member of a long-term men’s group, with “wise guys” who share vulnerability and loving support for one another as many of us have experienced pro- found loss in our lives. More recently, Carolyn and I began marriage counseling to explore
and improve our relationship as we transition from an
provided rich written resources both for my wife (and for her illness) and for me as a care partner. Support groups I attended led to more resources, such as the DUET organization in the Phoenix area with many online resources. I discovered that local organizations including Tucson Museum of Art, Tohono Chul Park, and Tucson Medical Center offered a variety of programs and activities for both my partner and me. I learned that for care partners, isolation and lack of support can not only be stressful but deadly. Support was not only available in groups, but individually one-on-one with a wonderful dementia-competent program counselor at PCOA and a
egalitarian relationship to a care giving/receiving partnership with changing power/control dynamics. Lesson 4: Embrace Ambiguity and Uncertainty To different degrees, all of us have needs for control, clarity and certainty in our life. Dementia and care partnership confront me with ambiguity and uncertainty. My wife is both physically present and increasingly not cognitively present. Her cognitive impairment fluctuates day-to-day and minute-to-minute. I am continually challenged to acknowledge my ambiguous feelings: love vs. frustration; grief and loss vs. gratitude; competence
March & April 2026, Never Too Late | Page 9
Pima Council on Aging
GUEST EDITORIAL
Lesson 6: Forgiveness and Good Enough
Lesson 7: Don’t Argue with Dementia Because each of us is unique, to a certain extent we all live in our own world. Dementia magnifies the distance between the worlds of care partners as dementia increases or progresses. Trying to argue with the misperceptions and beliefs of the person with dementia is counterproductive, leading only to conflict and frustration for both people. Effective strategies can include changing the subject and therapeutic fibbing. Lesson 8: Plan; Try to Avoid Crises One of the few certainties with dementia and care partnership is that things will deteriorate, gradually or suddenly, and probably unpredictably. Periods of crises will probably arise unexpectedly, and the stress can be lessened (not eliminated) by planning. We are incredibly fortunate to have long-term care insurance for Carolyn and to be financially relatively wealthy due to our frugality and careful investment. As I gradually become
unable to care for Carolyn by myself in our home, I anticipate juggling our insurance coverage, in-home care resources, perhaps eventually placement in a facility with greater care resources than in-home care can provide, and perhaps hospice care, either in-home or with a facility. I am marshaling as many support resources as I can find to make this final part of my and our care partnership journey as rewarding as possible, realizing that it won’t be perfect but hopefully good enough for both of us. ◆
Trying to continue to learn, grow and hopefully get more skilled and better at the challenges that life presents to us can easily morph into perfectionism. Why can’t I be more patient with my wife? Why do I let little things frustrate and anger me so much? Why can’t I say “I” statements instead of criticizing my wife? Why can’t I just back off and take a break when I get overwhelmed with her dementia? These are the thoughts and feelings that confront me daily in our interactions. Fortunately, neither Carolyn nor I have ever been invested in holding grudges and revenge. We practice forgiveness daily. Forgiveness of one another and perhaps even more importantly, forgiveness for ourselves and our seemingly inevitable failings. We can return to our sincere loving, affectionate relationship relatively quickly after our conflicts have inflicted only superficial wounds on our psyches.
My grandpa is in the early stages of dementia... It’s a lot to manage with my school, work, and other responsibilities, but I have to make sure he’s getting the care and medication he needs…
Connect to trusted caregiver resources today. Visit pcoa.org or call the Helpline at (520) 790-7262.
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Pima Council on Aging
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
MARCH Monday, March 2 1:00–2:30 pm (East) PCOA Lupu Building 8467 E. Broadway, CALC Conference Room Tuesday, March 3 12:00–1:30 pm (Oro Valley) Impact of S. Arizona 15930 N. Oracle Rd. Activity Center Conference Room Thursday, March 5 1:00–2:30 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Monday, March 9 1:00–2:30 pm (Green Valley) Friends Indeed 301 W. Camino Casa Verde, Room C 7300 Shannon Rd. Monday, March 16 1:00–2:30 pm (Midtown) The Katie 600 S. Country Club Rd., TEP Room Tuesday, March 17 10:00–11:30 am (North) AARP Arizona 6700 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 331 Tucson, Arizona 85704, Classroom Wednesday, March 18 1:30–3:00 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Thursday, March 19 1:00–2:30 pm (East) PCOA Lupu Building 8467 E. Broadway, CALC Conference Room Tuesday, March 10 10:30 am–12:00 pm (Marana) Nanini Library
Monday, March 23 11:00 am–12:30 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Tuesday, March 24 9:00–10:30 am (Southwest) Tucson Estates 5900 W. Western Way Circle Recreation Center, Board Conference Room APRIL Thursday, April 2 1:00–2:30 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Monday, April 6 1:00–2:30 pm (East) PCOA Lupu Building 8467 E. Broadway, CALC Conference Room
Monday, April 20 1:00–2:30 pm
(Midtown) The Katie In-Person Meeting 600 S. Country Club Rd., TEP Room Tuesday, April 21 10:00–11:30 am (North) AARP Arizona 6700 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 331 Tucson, Arizona 85704, Classroom Monday, April 27 11:00 am–12:30 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Tuesday, April 28 · 9:00–10:30 am (Southwest) Tucson Estates 5900 W. Western Way Circle Recreation Center, Board Conference Room FOR MORE INFORMATION RSVP required. To RSVP or if you have any questions, please contact Support Group Facilitator, Tonetta Clay at tclay@pcoa.org or (520) 305-3405.
Tuesday, April 7 12:00–1:30 pm (Oro Valley) Impact of S. Arizona 15930 N. Oracle Rd. Activity Center Conference Room Monday, April 13 1:00–2:30 pm (Green Valley) Friends Indeed 301 W. Camino Casa Verde, Room C Tuesday, April 14 10:30 am–12:00 pm (Marana) Nanini Library 7300 Shannon Rd. Wednesday, April 15 1:30–3:00 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Wednesday, April 16 · 1:00–2:30 pm (East) PCOA Lupu Building 8467 E. Broadway, CALC Conference Room
March & April 2026, Never Too Late | Page 11
Pima Council on Aging
DEMENTIA CAPABLE SOUTHERN ARIZONA DCSA in the Community
A Memory Café is a welcoming social gathering for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. It provides a safe, supportive space to enjoy activities and connect with others in a relaxed environment. Cafés help promote social connectedness and foster community for those affected by memory loss. Please visit bit.ly/memory-cafes for café-specific information or to register.
AARP Memory Café Fridays, March 27 & April 24 10:00—11:30 am AARP Tucson Office 6700 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 331 Tucson, AZ 85704 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Café Wednesdays, March 11 & April 8 421 W. Ina Road Tucson, AZ 85704 Memory Café at The Katie Wednesdays, March 11 & 25 and April 8 & 22 10:00–11:00 am Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center (PCOA) 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 Memory Café at The Lupu Tuesdays, March 17 & April 21 3:00–4:00 pm Beyond Bread
Casa de Encanto Memory Café (Bilingual/Bilingüe) Mondays, March 9 & April 13 lunes, 9 de marzo & 13 de abril 10:00-11:00 am CPLC Casa de Encanto 250 N. Silverbell Rd. Tucson, AZ 85745 Registration requested. Favor de confirmar su asistencia. Contact/ contaco Mariana Gutierrez at (520) 310-4516. Casa del Pueblo Memory Café (Bilingual/Bilingüe) Tuesdays, March 5 & April 2 martes, 5 de marzo & 2 de abril 10:00-11:00 am CPLC Casa del Pueblo 4975 S. Liberty Ave. Tuscon, AZ 85706 Registration requested. Favor de confirmar su asistencia. Contact/ contaco Amee Gonzalez at (520) 310-2915.
Memory Café with YWCA (Bilingual/Bilingüe) Thursdays March 19 & April 16 jueves, 19 de marzo & 16 de abril 10:00-11:00 am House of Neighborly Services 243 W. 33 rd St. Tucson, AZ 85713 Registration requested. Favor de confirmar su asistencia. Contact/ contaco Maria Ornelas at (520) 596-0115. Esperanza Memory Café Thursdays, March 12 & April 9 2:00–3:00 pm United Methodist Church Green Valley 300 W. Esperanza Blvd. Green Valley, AZ 85614 Posada Life Memory Café Fridays, March 20 & April 17 1:00–2:00 pm La Posada Community Center
780 S. Park Centre Ave. Green Valley, AZ 85614
10:00–11:00 am The Lupu (PCOA) 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710
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Pima Council on Aging
Upcoming Presentations Dementia Friends Information Session Gain a general understanding of dementia with a focus on creating a dementia-friendly community. For all community members ages 13+. VIRTUAL Monday, April 6 3:00–4:00 pm Online Zoom presentation Memory Loss: Progressions, Behaviors, and Interventions Part 1 Dive into the progression of dementia, the brain changes that occur, and care tips. This presentation is designed for family members and other caregivers. Wednesday, March 4 10:00–11:30 am Joyner-Green Valley Library 601 N. La Cañada Dr. Green Valley, AZ 85614 Thursday, April 2 1:00–2:30 pm Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center (PCOA) 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 Memory Loss: Progressions, Behaviors, and Interventions Part 2 Take a deeper dive looking at caregiver strategies, common challenges, and approaches to caring for someone with dementia. This presentation is designed for family members and other caregivers. Wednesday, March 18 10:00–11:30 am Joyner-Green Valley Library 601 N. La Cañada Dr. Green Valley, AZ 85614
Thursday, April 9 1:00–2:30 pm Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center (PCOA) 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 IDEA! Strategy A 3-step strategy to help you figure out why a behavior is happening and how to deal with it. This presentation is designed for family members and other caregivers. Monday, March 23 2:00–3:30 pm Joyner-Green Valley Library 601 N. La Cañada Dr. Green Valley, AZ 85614 Thursday, April 16 1:00–2:30 pm Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center (PCOA) 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 End of Life Care Planning: What You Need to Know When Living with a Dementia Diagnosis Understand end of life care decisions, decision-making authority, and advance directives. Friday, March 27 2:00–3:30 pm Joyner-Green Valley Library 601 N. La Cañada Dr. Green Valley, AZ 85614
Register online at bit.ly/DCSAevents or by scanning the QR code.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on the presentations, please contact Nicole Thomas at nthomas@pcoa.org or (520) 790-7573 ext. 1739. EnhanceFitness®: Strong and Capable Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 1:00–2:00 pm Randolph Recreation Center 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 Tucson, AZ 85711 An interactive fitness program for both those living with memory loss and mobility challenges and their caregivers! EnhanceFitness® is an evidence-based falls prevention and physical activity program specifically designed for older adults. For more information and to register please email DCSA@pcoa.org or call (520) 790-7573 ext.1748 .
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Pima Council on Aging
HEALTHY LIVING
Upcoming Classes NEW LOCATION for classes formerly held at The Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center
El Rio Recreation Center 1390 W. Speedway Blvd. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 am–12:00 pm Udall Park, Carol West Senior Center 7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 am–12:00 pm Clements Regional Center, Fitness Center 8155 E. Poinciana Dr. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30–9:30 am REGISTER ONLINE AT: bit.ly/PCOAEnhanceFitness Oro Valley Recreation Center 10555 N. La Canada Dr., Oro Valley Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00–10:00 am Call (520) 544-1900 to register.
EnhanceFitness® Program EnhanceFitness® is developed specifically for older adults, with exercises focusing on four key areas important to your health and fitness: stretching and flexibility, low impact aerobics, strength training, and balance. You can join us no matter what your current level of fitness is because we offer seated, standing and virtual exercise options. This is no average fitness class! EnhanceFitness® is an evidence-based program backed by years of research, w hich means it is scientifically proven to: • Improve strength and balance
Randolph Recreation Center 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 Monday, Wednesday, Friday In-Person (IP) 10:30–11:30 am Remote (R) 10:30–11:30 am Tucson Estates (TENHN) 5900 W. Western Way Circle Monday (Recreation Hall) Wednesday, Friday (Multi-Purpose Hall) 10:30–11:30 am
Randolph Recreation Center 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00–10:00 am
• Increase flexibility • Boost activity levels • Improve mood • Help prevent falls
Can’t Attend an In-person Class? Explore healthy fitness options in the comfort of your own home! Check out our Healthy Tidbits videos online with your phone, tablet, or laptop. Videos range from 15 minutes to an hour and offer instruction on activities including chair yoga, seated cardio, balance, strength exercises, and more. VISIT: bit.ly/HealthyTidbits
FOR MORE INFORMATION about EnhanceFitness® classes please contact Cheryl Phillips at cphillips@pcoa.org or call (520) 305-3410. For more information about Healthy Living programs, please visit pcoa.org or contact Harbhajan Khalsa at hkhalsa@pcoa.org (520) 790-7573 ext. 3426.
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Pima Council on Aging
ENDING LIFE WELL
For caregivers supporting a loved one through palliative or hospice care, the responsibility is immense. They are providing daily care, emotional support, and advocacy, often while being asked to make complex decisions during moments of deep vulnerability and stress. End-of-Life Planning: An Act of Dignity, for Caregivers and Those They Love
Without a plan, caregivers are often forced into crisis decision-making, balancing medical information, family dynamics, and their own exhaustion. They may be left questioning decisions long after their loved one has passed. Did I do the right thing? Did I honor their wishes? This uncertainty can compound grief and lead to lasting emotional distress. Clear end-of-life planning helps shift these moments from crisis to clarity. It empowers caregivers to advocate with confidence, knowing they are
At its core, end-of-life planning is a shared act of care. It protects dignity, supports caregivers, and it ensures that no one has to navigate one of life’s most difficult moments alone or unprepared. At PCOA, we encourage these conversations not because the end is near, but because dignity, clarity, and caregiver support matter at every stage of aging. ◆ FOR MORE INFORMATION and additional ideas, or to schedule time with our end-of-life care planning team, please call (520) 790-7262.
honoring the expressed values and choices of the person they love, not guessing under pressure. PCOA’s caregiver support work recognizes that caregivers need more than information. They need stability, reassurance, and space to focus on connection rather than constant decision-making. End-of-life planning provides that foundation. It allows caregivers to step
out of the role of coordinator and into the role of spouse, child, sibling, or friend, present, compassionate, and supported. Planning also strengthens communication with palliative and hospice care teams. When goals and values are clear, care can be aligned to prioritize comfort, respect cultural and personal preferences, and reduce unnecessary or unwanted interventions. This alignment supports a more compassionate and coordinated experience for everyone involved.
At Pima Council on Aging (PCOA), we believe aging with dignity is a human right. That belief extends through every stage of life, including the end of life, and to the caregivers who walk alongside their loved ones during this deeply personal journey. End-of-life planning is not simply about completing documents. It is about honoring dignity, autonomy, and peace of mind, for both the person receiving care and the caregiver supporting them.
We are grateful for the generous support provided by the Shaaron Kent Endowment held at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.
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Pima Council on Aging
RIGHTS & BENEFITS
There are several types of tax programs for which you may be eligible: The Arizona Property Tax Refund Credit also known as the 140PTC, may be filed if you meet the following criteria: • Arizona resident for the entire year of 2025. • Age 65 or older by 12/31/2025 or a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). • Limited household income (Social Security is not counted.) • You paid property taxes and/or rent in 2025. Call PCOA at (520) 790-7262 in Tucson for 140PTC forms, or to make an appointment for assistance in completing this form. THIS CREDIT IS PROVIDED BY THE ARIZONA STATE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE. Program open from January 2026 until the tax filing deadline in April 2026. PCOA will be providing telephone and in-person appointments for assistance beginning February 1, 2026. Valuation Relief Programs: If approved Widow/Widower or Totally & Permanently Disabled applicant could receive a reduction to their Limited Assessed Value also known as the taxable value of a property. The total combined Limited Assessed Value of Arizona property cannot exceed the Arizona Department of Revenue (AZDOR) threshold of $36,454 . Qualifications & Required Documents: • Must be over the age of 18. • Proof of Household Income and Residency is required to be submitted with your application. Property Tax Breaks for Older Adults
The Senior Property Valuation Protection Option Interested seniors may “freeze” the Limited Value of their primary residence provided they meet the following requirements: • At least one of the owners must be 65 years of age by September 1 of the current application year. • The applicant must have lived in and owned the requested property for the two (2) years prior to applying. The property must be the primary residence of the applicant. An applicant can only have one primary residence. Rentals, mixed use properties, and properties over 10 acres do not qualify. • An individual property owner’s total income from ALL sources, including nontaxable income, cannot exceed $47,712 . The total income from ALL sources for two or more property owners cannot exceed $59,640 per the AZDOR. This is calculated as an average of the household’s total income for the prior three (3) years. • If the 2027 Limited Value is lower than the 2026 Limited Value, the protection option is not a benefit. Any applications will be denied. Applicants may apply in a future year if the Noticed Value, mailed annually in February, becomes higher than the previous year. • The deadline for submitting the application with all required documentation is September 1, 2026. A determination regarding qualifications will be mailed to you on or before December 1, 2026. ◆ For further information, please contact the Pima County Assessor’s Office at asr.pima.gov or call (520) 724-7500.
• Widow/Widower: Provide a copy of spouse’s death certificate. The applicant cannot be remarried or have been separated/divorced from spouse at time of death. The death certificate must list the name of the applicant as the surviving spouse. • Totally & Permanently Disabled: Provide a completed AZDOR Certificate of Disability form (DOR82514B) stamped and signed by a competent medical authority. If no stamp can be obtained, provide a receipt from the provider, a note on the provider’s office letterhead, or a prescription form issued by the provider. Service-Connected Disabled Veteran Relief • Must be over the age of 18. • Proof of Household Income and Residency is required to be submitted with your application. • Provide a Benefit Summary Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs dated in the last 12 months which includes: Character of Service, if you have one or more service-connected disabilities, Combined service-connected evaluation rating & Effective date of disability. • There are no minor children residing with you and the total household income from all sources, for all occupants does not exceed the statutory limit of $39,865. • There are minor children or an adult dependent who is totally and permanently disabled residing with you and the total household income from all sources for all occupants does not exceed the statutory limit of $47,826.
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Pima Council on Aging
NO MORE PARTY OF ONE
ALTCS Workshops Join us for a workshop to learn about the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). Discover what ALTCS is, the eligibility requirements, and the range of services available once enrolled. This workshop is an excellent starting point for anyone considering ALTCS for themselves or a loved one.
FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH Location may be subject to change. Eventbrite registration will reflect the most up-to-date location information. Please join us on Zoom from your computer, tablet, or phone
6 Community Lunch sites in metro Tucson and Green Valley 60 years or older and tired of dining alone? Want to get out of the house and enjoy a satisfying lunch while making friends? TRY COMMUNITY LUNCHES $2 TO $3 A MEAL! REGISTRATION REQUIRED Please call for mealtimes, to reserve a meal, and for days and hours of operations. Armory Park Center 220 S. 5 th Ave., Tucson (520) 791-4070 Casa De Encanto 250 N. Silverbell Rd., Tucson Freedom Recreation Center 5000 E. 29 th St., Tucson (520) 791-4969 La Posada Community Center 780 S. Park Centre Ave., Green Valley · (520) 393-6814 William M. Clements Center 8155 E. Poinciana Dr., Tucson (520) 791-5787 (520) 310-6716 Casa De Pueblo 4975 S. Liberty Ave., Tucson (520) 310-2915
Date: April 22, 2026 Time: 2:00–4:00 pm Please join us in person
Date: May 27, 2026 Time: 2:00–4:00 pm Location: The Katie, 600 S. Country Club Rd. Registration is required for both the in person workshop and online webinar. TO REGISTER , go to bit.ly/ALTCSWorkshop or call (520) 305-3450.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Please visit bit.ly/PCOAmeals or call the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262.
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Pima Council on Aging
Beware of Medicare Card Schemes MEDICARE
Upcoming Medicare Presentations Wednesdays March 25 & April 22 2:00–5:00 pm Murphy-Wilmot Library Topics include: • Understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. • Learn about Medigap and Prescription Drug Plans. • Questions to ask before enrolling. • How and when to enroll. • Learn about Medicare Savings Programs and getting help with paying Part B premium and/or Part D drug costs for those who qualify. • How to find plans that offer the lowest cost for prescriptions you take. 530 N. Wilmot Dr. Tucson, AZ 85710 REGISTRATION REQUIRED visit Medicare2026-Murphy WilmotLibrary.eventbrite.com or call (520) 546-2011 to register.
Do you know what isn’t new this year? Your Medicare card. Medicare beneficiaries are not receiving new cards this year, but scammers may try to convince you otherwise. For example, scammers may falsely tell you that Medicare is issuing new cards, perhaps a card that is plastic, or a card that has a chip in it. Scammers may tell you that for them to send your new card, you need to verify your identity, which could include your Medicare number. This is an attempt to get your personal or financial information. Here are some red flags to look for: • Unsolicited calls from anyone claiming to be from Medicare. • Anyone needing your personal information so that they can send you an updated Medicare card. • Anyone saying your card is expiring, and they need to send you a new one or you will be charged a fine. • Anyone stating Medicare is issuing new cards and you need to verify your number.
If you’re concerned that you have experienced Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse, contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at (800) 432-4040. Pima Council on Aging is your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Call us at (520) 546-2011 for assistance with your Medicare concerns. ◆
FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact your local State Health Assistance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-435-4040. Pima Council on Aging is the local SHIP for Pima
County. Contact us at SHIP@pcoa.org or call (520) 546-2011.
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Pima Council on Aging
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