Dementia Friendly Gilbert

Alzheimer’s disease is not just a growing national health crisis, it’s one that hits home here in Arizona. With nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, the impact is undeniable. The most recent data from the Alzheimer’s Association shows that in Arizona, about 150,000 individuals aged 65 and older are battling this disease, while 8.9% of those aged 45 and older are experiencing early memory issues.

These aren’t just numbers, they’re our neighbors, our loved ones, our community.

Whether you’re seeking resources or simply a welcoming space, we’re here to help make Gilbert a place where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

The Town of Gilbert is committed to being a Dementia Friendly community, ensuring that individuals living with Dementia and their caregivers have access to the support, resources, and services they need.

Dementia Friendly Gilbert

In Arizona, there are more than 150,000 family caregivers who carry the emotional and physical weight of this journey every day. The video below shares the story of Gilbert resident, Steve Adams, who shares his heartfelt experience of being a caregiver for a loved one living with Dementia and the pressing need for support.

After learning about the challenges faced by Steve and others, we took action. In December 2024, Gilbert became a Dementia Friendly community, partnering with Dementia Friendly Arizona to promote empathy and inclusion. Led by Councilmembers Chuck Bongiovanni and Yung Koprowski, and Gilbert resident Steve Adams, our Action Team is dedicated to providing essential resources and support for our dementia community.

Tips on Communicating with People with Dementia

Navigating conversations with people living with Dementia can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory, but understanding their needs and creating connections can make a difference. When communicating with a person who has Dementia, the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Sun Health Research Institute recommend:

Treat the person with dignity and respect.
Be aware of your feelings.
Be patient and supportive.
Offer comfort and reassurance.
Avoid criticizing or correcting.
Avoid arguing.
Offer a word guess.
Encourage nonverbal communication.

Identifying the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia

Spotting the early signs of Dementia can make a meaningful difference in accessing proper care and support.

Here are 10 symptoms Dementia Friendly Arizona and the Alzheimer’s Association recommend looking out for:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

The Town of Gilbert, in collaboration with Dementia Friendly Arizona, is proud to soon offer free training to help educate employees and local businesses on how to better serve community members living with Dementia. This on-demand online training will provide valuable tools and communication techniques to ensure everyone feels supported. Stay tuned for more details.

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Resources

Gilbert’s Dementia Family and Caregiver Support Group

Gilbert’s Dementia Family and Caregiver Support Group

We warmly invite you to join our Dementia Family and Caregiver Support Group sessions at the Gilbert Community Center on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 1-2:15 PM. This is more than just a meeting, it's a place where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and receive meaningful advice and understanding from others who share similar experiences.

While you take time to learn from a trained facilitator and interact with fellow caregivers, your loved one with Dementia will enjoy thoughtfully curated activities. From art and music to stories, reading, and mindful movement, each experience is designed to engage and uplift.

On the third Tuesday of each month, Higher Octave Healing will offer music therapy sessions specifically designed for individuals experiencing memory loss.

Register online, call 480-503-6290 or email krista.trei@gilbertaz.gov. Walk-ins are welcome too as long as space is available.

Gilbert Police Bring Me Home Program

Alzheimer’s Association, 24/7 Helpline

Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging 24-Hour Senior Help Line

Gilbert, Arizona

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Calendar of Upcoming Events

Dementia Family & Caregiver Support Group

Dementia Family & Caregiver Support Group

Dementia Family & Caregiver Support Group

Resources