Flagstaff Adult Day Club Offers a Haven for Dementia Patients and Caregivers
In Coconino County, approximately 1,900 individuals face the challenges of dementia—a syndrome that affects memory, speech, and behavior. For many caregivers, the continuous demand for attention can lead to burnout. However, a new initiative by Northern Arizona University (NAU) and a local nonprofit is providing a much-needed respite.
Oakwood Creative Care, a memory care organization, has collaborated with NAU’s Institute for Human Development (IHD) to establish the Flagstaff Adult Day Club. This center, located on the Flagstaff mountain campus, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It offers activities designed to engage older adults with cognitive and physical challenges, providing caregivers a chance to recharge and potentially slowing the progression of dementia.
Amber King, interim associate director at IHD, noted the natural synergy with Oakwood, which operates three other day clubs in Arizona’s Valley. “Our mission is to support people with disabilities by helping remove barriers to meaningful life experiences,” King said. “Oakwood is all about supporting people with dementia so they can live with dignity and purpose. It just made sense for us to work together.”
Launched in February with the support of grants from the Alzheimer’s Association and other organizations, the club currently hosts seven regular members with more expected as seasonal residents arrive. Molly Fulton, director of the Flagstaff Day Club, emphasized the dual benefits of the club’s activities. “It’s so important for caregivers’ well-being to have a little bit of a break, and it’s equally important for people with cognitive impairment to have some socializing so they feel connected to the community,” she explained.
The day club offers an array of activities, beginning with mental exercises and trivia, followed by art classes and reminiscence sessions. After lunch, members participate in gentle exercise, culminating in a music class led by recent NAU graduate Ginger Roberts. Roberts, motivated by her family’s history with Alzheimer’s, shared, “In my experience, music serves as an incredible, almost magical tool for preserving memory.”
In addition to professional staff, NAU students from nursing and clinical psychology programs volunteer at the club, gaining practical experience with dementia. This interaction not only aids their education but also fosters a sense of community among members and students.
NAU’s IHD is exploring further research collaborations with faculty studying memory and aging, including efforts by the School of Social Work. Michael McCarthy, executive director at the School of Social Work, expressed enthusiasm about the potential for both student involvement and research. “We are honored to help bring more support to people and families coping with dementia in northern Arizona’s memory care deserts,” he remarked.
To learn more about the Flagstaff Adult Day Club, visit the Oakwood Creative Care website. For additional inquiries, contact Jill Kimball at NAU Communications at (928) 523-2282 or jill.kimball@nau.edu.
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