Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na
Early detection and intervention are key when working with individuals with cognitive decline, therefore, it is important to understand the signs of memory loss for yourself and your loved ones. Memory loss and cognitive decline are not a normal part of aging. Some mild changes in cognition are considered a normal part of the aging process, changes that are subtle and mostly affect the speed of thinking and attentional control. Being able to identify the difference between normal age-related decline and cognitive impairment is helpful for early intervention.
Common signs of memory loss:
• New problems with spoken or written words • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps • Changes in mood or personality • Repeating the same things over and over
• Daily problems with memory and thinking • A decrease in judgment, planning, or problem-solving skills • Difficulty completing familiar tasks • Confusion with time or place
Posada Life Memory Café! A welcoming place for those experiencing memory loss and their care givers. Be part of our community, we invite you to come socialize with others in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Date/time: Saturday, April 16, from 1–2pm Location: Posada Life Community Center 780 S. Park Centre Ave. Green Valley, AZ 85614 For the safety of all, attendees will be required to wear masks and observe physical distancing. RSVPs are encouraged, please contact Ellen March at 520.393.6840 or EMarch@casagv.org
If you are experiencing any of these signs, please give us a call. Early detection is crucial as it provides you and your family time to plan and receive access to treatment options. If you are concerned, Dementia Capable Southern Arizona offers free, brief screenings for memory loss. You can complete a referral online at
dcsa.pcoa.org or call the PCOA Helpline at 520.790.7262. Within 48 hours a certified Options Counselor will reach out to you. You may be asking yourself, “what is an Options Counselor and what do they do?” A referral to Dementia Capable Southern Arizona is received by a certified Options Counselor. Options Counselors are here to help you and your family navigate community resources, provide beneficial information, and assist in providing support in deciding what memory care and non- memory care services are best, among many other duties and responsibilities. First and foremost, we are here to support, build trust, and take time to get to know you and your family. David Torrez, one of our Options Counselors, has been working closely with ‘Fran’. She initially was referred to us by a friend who was worried about Fran’s memory loss. Fran would sometimes forget where she was driving to and how to get back home, and she would sometimes forget to correctly take prescribed medications. Fran and David would have bi-weekly phone chats; all to help create trust, respect, and a sense of comfort. When he first spoke with Fran several months ago, she was insistent that she was able to take care of herself and her home without too much assistance. They continued to schedule time to talk, not discussing her memory loss per her wish, but about her life, what she liked to do day-to-day. David approached it in a way that Fran herself could realize that she could use a bit of help around her home. We are here for you. We are here to listen to your concerns, fears, and apprehensions. We want to provide you and your family a sense of hope that memory care is available and accessible.
Page 4 | April 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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