There are an abundance of resources and support groups geared towards loved ones, care partners, and healthcare providers, but finding something that is geared towards your needs during is much more challenging. By exploring this page, you will find materials to help you connect the dots and locate the support you need.

Have you been diagnosed with dementia? Are you struggling to find resources that are made specifically for you? That is why we have put early stage resources in purple font!

Suggestions on additional resources to list on this page are welcome. If you would like to submit your suggestions or request to join our email list, you can contact us at Durangodementiacoalition@gmail.com.

6.27 checklist portrait (3).pdf

Symptom Checklist

Doctors with Dementia Group - Symptoms Checklist

Published by National Council of Dementia Minds

Joining the Journey: A Guide to Supportive Care for Dementia

Published by Dementia Care and Education Campus, an innovation of Hospice of the Valley

2023 SCD JTJ Booklet.pdf

DWD-Electronic-Handbook.pdf

Taking Care: Managing Dementia with Dignity

Published by Barrow Neurological Institute

Authored by Geri R. Hall, PhD, RN, FAAN and Anna D. Burke, MD

Navigating Alzheimer's and Related Dementias: A Roadmap for Families, Volume 1, 2019

The information contained in Navigating Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias is a compilation of publications from the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,and other reputable sources.

Contributors to the guide include Alzheimer’sMississippi, The MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and The Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

resourceguide_ms_2009.pdf

Advance Directives

Colorado Advance Directive Packet

The Colorado Advance Directive Packet helps you and your loved one make plans for long term care. This pdf contains a legal document that protects your right to refuse medical treatment you do not want, or to request treatment you do want, in the event you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. You may complete Part One, Part Two, or both, depending on your advance planning needs. The form includes detailed instructions for each section of the document.

Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney

The Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney is valid in the state of Colorado, once it has been filled out, even without a notary public or lawyer's signature. This document can be used to appoint another person to make medical decisions for you, should you become unable to do so in the future.

Five Wishes

The Five Wishes Document is another advance directive form which is praised for its simplicity. Just as the name suggests it consists of five wishes formatted as follows:

Who I want to make care decisions for me if I can't,
The kind of medical care I want or don't want.
How comfortable I want to be.
How I want people to treat me.
What I want my loved ones to know.

If you wish to obtain financial power of attorney, you will need to consult with a law firm. Please refer to our legal help section on this page so you can find an affordable attorney to assist you with this matter.

Assisted Living & Nursing Homes

Here is a list of assisted livings and nursing homes in the four corners region, some of which specialize in memory care. Memory care is focused on maintaining the individual's quality of life at each stage of their condition, following a diagnosis of any type of progressive dementia or neurodegenerative disease.

Aztec, New Mexico:

Good Samaritan Society- Four Corners Village

Memory Care

500 Care Ln, Aztec, NM 87410

505-334-9445

Bayfield, Colorado

Evening's Porch Assisted Living

42811 US-160, Bayfield, CO 81122

970-884-0101

https://eveningsporch.com/

Pine River Manor Assisted Living

251 Clover Dr, Bayfield, CO 81122

970-884-7773

Cortez, Colorado

BeeHive Homes of Cortez, Assisted Living

Memory Care

694 Cottonwood St., Cortez, CO 81321

970-564-3101

https://beehivehomes.com/locations/cortez/

Vista Mesa Assisted Living

Memory Care

1206 North Mildred Rd, Cortez, CO 81321

970-564-1888

https://vistamesaliving.com/

Vista Grande Inn

Memory Care

Nursing Home

680 E. Hospital Drive, Cortez, CO 81321

970-564-1122

http://vistagrandeinn.innsofthesouthwest.org/index.html

Madison House Assisted Living

120 S Madison St, Cortez, CO 81321

1-855-929-2346

https://seniorhousingoptions.org/properties/madison-house/

Mesa View Retirement Home

Memory Care

24760 Rd G, Cortez, CO 81321

970-564-0716

Dolores, Colorado

Golden Years Retirement Home

Memory Care

103 N 18th St, Dolores, CO 81323

1-855-929-2346

Durango, Colorado

Cottonwood Inn Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center

450 Prospector Avenue

Durango, Colorado 81301

970-828-1414

Four Corners Health Center (Also called Junction Creek Health & Rehabilitation)

Memory Care

2911 Junction Street, Durango, CO 81301

970-247-2215

Sunshine Gardens, Assisted Living

Memory Care

25 Sunshine Ct, Durango, CO 81301

970-385-4090

https://www.sunshinegardensseniors.com/

Farmington, New Mexico

Beehive Homes of Farmington, Assisted Living

Memory Care

400 N Locke Ave, Farmington, NM 87401

505-591-7900

Three Rivers Estates, Assisted Living

Memory Care

981 W Broadway, Farmington, NM 87401

505-325-9859

Mancos, Colorado

The Valley Inn Nursing Home

Memory Care

211 E 3rd Alley, Mancos, CO 81328

970-533-9031

http://innsofthesouthwest.org/the-valley-inn-mancos-co.html

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pine Ridge Extended Care Center

119 Bastille Dr, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

(970) 731-4330

Books

A Dignified Life: The Best Friends™ Approach to Alzheimer's Care: A Guide for Care Partners

Virginia Bell & David Troxel

Amazon link here.

Coping with Behavior Change in Dementia: A Family Caregiver's Guide

Beth Spencer & Laurie White

Amazon link here.

Connecting the Dots: Breakthroughs in Communication as Alzheimer's Advances

Judith L. London Ph. D.

Amazon link here.

Counseling People with Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: A Powerful Process of Transformation

Robin Yale

Amazon link here.

Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Jolene Brackey

Amazon link here.

Dancing on Quicksand: A Gift of Friendship in the Age of Alzheimer's

Marilyn Mitchell

Amazon link here.

Dementia Reimagined: Building a life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End

Tai Powell

Amazon link here.

Failure Free Activities for the Alzheimer's Patient: A Guidebook for Caregivers and Families

Carmel Sheridan

Amazon link here.

Forget Memory: Creating Better Lives for People with Dementia

Anne Davis Basting

Amazon link here.

Happy New Year to You!: A Read-Aloud Book for Memory-Challenged Adults

Lydia Burdick & Jane Freeman

Amazon link here.

Healing Your Grieving Heart When Someone You Care About Has Alzheimer's: 100 Practical Ideas for Families, Friends, and Caregivers (Healing Your Grieving Heart series)

Alan D Wolfelt Ph. D. & Kirby J Duvall MD

Amazon link here.

Kismet: From the Joy of Romance to the Agony of Alzheimer's

Elizabeth Gibbons Van Ingen

Amazon link here.

Living Your Best With Early-Stage Alzheimer's: An Essential Guide

Lisa Snyder

Amazon link here.

Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope while Coping with Stress and Grief

Pauline Boss, Ph. D.

Amazon link here.

The Duet website has a ten part video series to accompany readers as they move through the concepts covered in the book.

Moving a Relative & Other Transitions in Dementia Care

Laurie White & Beth Spencer

Amazon link here.

My Past Is Now My Future

Lanny D Butler MS OTR & Kari K Brizendine PT

Amazon link here.

National Council of Dementia Minds

Here is a link to a list of a dozen books, recommended by the National Council of Dementia Minds and written by individuals living with dementia.

Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos into Confidence

Gail Sheehy

Amazon link here.

Peaceful Endings: guiding the walk to the end of life and beyond

Trish Laub

Amazon link here.

Reassuring Guidance: A Faith-Based Caregiving Resource

Roy Cook & Catherine Hillard

Amazon link here.

Self Compassion

Dr. Kristen Neff

Amazon link here.

Slow Puncture: Living Well with Dementia

Peter Berry & Deb Blount

Amazon link here.

Spirit Matters: How to Remain Fully Alive with a Life-Limiting Illness

Judy Flickinger

Amazon link here.

Take A Larger Way: Reflections of A Dementia Caregiver

Jay Brenneman

Amazon link here.

The 36 Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease and other Dementias

Nancy L. Mace & Peter Rabins

Amazon link here.

Travelers to Unimaginable Lands: Stories of Dementia, the Caregiver, and the Human Brain

Dasha Kiper & Norman Doidge

Amazon link here.

Understanding the Changing Brain: A Positive Approach to Care

Teepa Snow

Amazon link here.

When Caring Takes Courage: Alzheimer's/Dementia: At A Glance Guide for Family Caregivers

Mara Botonis

Amazon link here.

Care Planning

Developing a care plan entails completing comprehensive assessments so that the appropriate referrals and support can be provided. Use any of the contacts below to begin the process.

Crisis Services

Axis Health System Crisis Care

A crisis occurs when a person's needs for support exceed the resources they have at their immediate disposal. Axis offers crisis care services, as well as a 24/7 helpline: 970-247-5245. By calling, you will be connected to a crisis specialist who will offer support, provide information, and help you create a plan to manage your crisis. If you would like in-person support, please visit the Axis crisis care page to view walk-in clinics in your region.

Alzheimer's Association

You can call the Alzheimer's Association's 24-7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 to be connected to a master 's-level clinician so you can receive support and information at no cost to you.

Knox-box

Knox-box is an emergency key box that the fire department and paramedics are informed of and can use to access your home.

Education

Alzheimer's and Dementias Education & Referral

Alzheimer's and Dementias Education & Referral (ADEAR) is sponsored by the National Institute of Aging. Educational material on the various dementias are available for download or free copies can be ordered.

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association has online educations for caregivers on the topics of Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis, communication, living with Alzheimer's and caregiving techniques.

Fitness

Aaron Coats- Ilete Fitness Personal Training

659 Tech Center Dr,

Durango, CO 81301

(970)-317-0929

Aaron Walker-Coats is a personal trainer at Ilete Fitness and can work with clients who have a dementia diagnosis

Adaptive Sports Association

The Adaptive Sports Association (ASA) is a non-profit, based in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The ASA engages people with disabilities in Sports activities by accommodating each individual's unique set of needs. The ASA offers ski lessons during the Winter months and a plethora of other outdoor activities in the Summer months including biking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and more. If you are interested but do not know if you can afford it, scholarship applications can be found here. To view contact information follow this link. For a calendar of current events, click here.

Ben Fordahl, PT, DPT, OCS. Lead Therapist

Mercy Integrated Physical Therapy

Three Springs Campus

1 Mercado Street, Suite 201

Durango, CO 81301

(970) 385-0644

Experience working with neurological disease.

Mercy Integrated Physical Therapy

Centennial Center Campus

327 S Camino Del Rio,

Durango, CO 81303

(970) 764-9200.

Mercy Integrated Physical Therapy offers a Parkinson's Movement Class. Details below.

Parkinson’s Movement Class

This is a Mon/Wed class from 11:00 am-12:00 pm that is focused on balance and movement exclusively for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Home Care

Cortez, Colorado

Life Care

Serving La Plata & Montezuma County

631 E Main Street

Cortez, CO 81321

970-516-1234

855-381-1529

LifeCare@ftitel.net

Durango, Colorado

Comfort Keepers

691 Co Rd 233 A-6

Durango, Colorado 81301

970-344-9717

Guardian Angels

555 S Camino Del Rio #C28

Durango, CO 81303

970-385-8414

Home Instead

160 Rock Point Dr #C

Durango, CO 81301

970-828-6700

Shining Star Caregivers, LLC

2855 Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301

970-946-2932

Visiting Angels

610 E 8th Ave

Durango CO 81301

970-247-2292

Mancos, Colorado

Colorado Compassionate Care

13886 Rd 33

Mancos, CO 81328

970-882-7008

Private Home Care

Care.com

This website lets you look up self-employed in-home care providers in your region.

Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)

According to the CDASS web site, “Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) lets you direct and manage the attendants who provide your personal care, homemaker, and health maintenance services, rather than working through an agency. Through CDASS, you are empowered to hire, train and manage attendants of your choice to best fit your unique needs or you may delegate these responsibilities to an Authorized Representative.” Visit the CDASS web site for eligibility criteria and other information on the program.

In Home Support Services (IHSS)

The IHSS Colorado web site defines their program as follows. “In Home Support Services (IHSS) is a consumer directed program funded by Colorado Medicaid. IHSS is unique in that it allows a client’s chosen attendant to perform a multitude of care services as an employee of the IHSS approved agency. IHSS is a popular option for individuals that prefer to have a relative or other familiar individual provide their personal care services. Additionally, the program allows for multiple care staff to be involved, so a client may choose to have a relative or friend provide some care, and request the IHSS agency provide additional staff at any chosen interval.”

Indigenous Health

Indigenous American populations face extreme health disparity in many areas, including access to cognitive health resources. Accessibility can be improved when care partners are well-informed about the respective cultures they serve. This will help them to advocate, communicate, and provide assistance more effectively. The Alzheimer's Association and ACT on Alzheimer's offer free cultural competency trainings online.

Why Language Matters

According to the Smithsonian "Native people prefer to be called by their specific tribal name. In the United States, Native American has been widely used but is falling out of favor with some groups, and the terms American Indian or Indigenous American are preferred by many Native people". For this reason, the term Indigenous American is used on our website. website. There are two federally recognized Tribes in the State of the Colorado: the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Tribal Members are referred to as Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, Ute, or Nuuchiu.

International Association for Indigenous Aging

The International Association for Indigenous Aging seeks to improve health outcomes for aging Indigenous populations around the world through advocacy work and cultural competency trainings.

Indian Health Services

Indian Health Services (IHS) is a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). IHS allocates federally funded health services to communities of Indigenous Americans so that health outcomes can be improved and overall well-being can be increased. IHS also offers grants, trainings, and advocacy for Indigenous Americans who are living with dementia.

National Indian Council on Aging

The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) is a non-profit that advocates for the needs of the aging Indigenous American population. The website has a vast array of free culturally relevant trainings for care partners. Members receive updates on recent legislation that is relevant to Indigenous Americans. See membership page for details.

Legal Help

6th Judicial Self Help Center

970-385-6179

Ashley Geyer

Last Will & Testament, Estate Attorney, and other services

970-247-3091

150 E 9th St #400

Durango CO 81301

Soignier Law

Amos Soignier

2855 Main Ave. Suite B 101

Durango, CO 81301

970-247-3315

amos@soignierlaw.com

Tracey J. Cross

Last Will & Testament, and other services

835 East 2nd Ave suite #250

Durango, CO 81301

970-385-0600

tcross@mydurango.net

Michelle der Ohanesian

Elder Law, Trusts, & Estate Planning

1099 Main Ave. suite #318

970-828-4605

michelle@dreylaw.com

Beneficient

Can provide non-attorney representation through all phases of the assistance process, including application preparation, caseworker communication, an audit of approval/certification, filing appeals, and more.

*Serves entire state of Colorado.

665 Southpointe Ct #100
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

719-645-8350

info@doinggoodforothers.com

Medical Providers

CORTEZ

These Intermountain Healthcare providers alternate their locations between Cortez and Grand Junction. Please contact them to ensure you know where they will be located if you are booking an appointment.

Seth Kareus, MD, Intermountain Healthcare

Logan McDaneld, MD, Intermountain Healthcare

DURANGO

Eric Edgar, MD, CHPG Southwest Neuroscience

CHPG Southwest Neuroscience

1010 Three Springs Blvd

STE 290

Durango, CO, 81301

970-764-9225

David Rushworth, MD, Ph.D. www..fourcornerscns.com

Four Corners Center for Neurology Specialty

555 Rivergate Lane, STE B1-102

Durango, CO 81301

970-844-2865

office@fourcornerscns.com

Medication Management for Conditions Common to Dementia (depression, anxiety, etc.)

Emily Epstein, PMHNP-psychiatry

719-466-2468

empoweredmentalwellness@gmail.com

Jamie Knight, APRN-psychiatry

970-247-0640

healthgrades.com

Sara Alsgaard, ND-psychiatry

970-764-0093

psychologytoday.com

Michael Washinsky, DO-psychiatry

*Accepts Medicare

970-799-6911

Durangopsychiatrist.com

FARMINGTON

San Juan Health Partners Neurology

2300 East 30th Street, Building B, Suite 102

Farmington, NM 87401

505-609-6790

Laura Waymire, MD San Juan Health Partners Neurology

Taffeta Troutner, FNP-C. San Juan Health Partners Neurology

PAGOSA SPRINGS

Pagosa Springs Medical Center

95 South Pagosa Blvd

Pagosa Springs, CO

970-731-3700

William Bentley, MD Pagosa Springs Medical Center

Mental Health Counseling

This is a curated list of counselors who specialize in helping families and individuals whose lives have been impacted by a dementia diagnosis.

DURANGO, CO Check with provider to see if Medicare or insurance is accepted.

Flow Wolf, LCSW. 970-769-9653

Dr. Mary Katherine, Phd, LAC, MAC. 970-769-6907

Jessica Mady, LCSW 970-698-2378

Shannon Arriola, LPC 602-8287-8880

Shari Fitzgerald, LPC. 970-422-1761

Nicole Fuller, MA, CACIII, DVAP. 970-372-1367

Felicia Libo, LPC. (970) 759-2678

Older Adult Centers (Formerly Senior Centers)

You may wonder, “Why are we changing our language from senior centers to older adult centers?”

Although these organizations are called senior centers in the present, we are using the term "Older Adult Centers" due to language recommendations from Age-Inclusive Guidelines, published this year by Changing the Narrative. Their campaign on age friendly language is rooted in their partnership with the Next50. The DDC strives to uphold the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their age. In the spirit of inclusivity, we are joining in the effort to end ageism by adjusting our language accordingly.

Older adult centers, such as the ones listed below can offer additional support to individuals and care partners following a dementia diagnosis. You may be surprised by the ways in which they can help!

Ignacio Senior Center

Southern Ute Reservation, CO 81137

970-563-4561

La Plata County Senior Center

2424 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301

970-382-6445

If you would like to access more La Plata County resources, click here to see the resource guide, made by the La Plata County Senior Center.

Montezuma County Senior Services

Montezuma County offers Senior Services in Cortez, Mancos, and Dalores. Visit their website for the most up to date information on their locations and corresponding contact information.

Pine River Senior Center

111 W. South St., Bayfield, CO 81122

970-884-5415

National Organizations

Alzheimer’s Association

Alz.org

This organization is one of the most prominent dementia related nonprofits in the US and they strive to accelerate research for curing Alzheimer’s Disease. They also offer a vast array of support groups, educations, and local chapters to support those living with Alzheimer’s and those who are connected to them.

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)

alzint.org

ADI has official relations with the World Health Organization and partners with other dementia related organizations on a global scale to further research and increase accessibility to care.

Dementia Together

dementiatogether.org

Dementia Together teaches care partners how to relate to people living with dementia. Their materials emphasize the Specialized Early Care for Alzheimer’s (SPECAL) method.

Dementia Action Alliance (DAA)

DAANow.org

The DAA values empowering those with a dementia diagnosis to live the most rewarding life possible. They are working to reduce stigma and educate others on how they can better support those who have been diagnosed.

Dementia Friendly America (DFA)

Dfamerica.org

The DFA partners with individuals and organizations to foster dementia friendly communities. Such communities are educated and equipped to maximize the inclusion of members living with dementia. Many who participate in this movement have dementia themselves and want to reduce stigma, share their stories, and promote awareness.

Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA)

LBDA.org

The LBDA is a nonprofit that supports individuals with LBD, and their loved ones, through multiple outlets including education, outreach, and research.

Lorenzo’s House

lorenzoshouse.org

Lorenzo’s House is exclusively focused on younger onset dementias and the only entity providing direct help for children living with a parent with young onset dementia.

Positive Approach to Care (PAC)

Teepasnow.com

PAC is dedicated to teaching family and friends how to interact with their loved one who has been diagnosed in a way that is respectful, loving, and destigmatizing.

National Council of Dementia Minds (NCDM)

Dementiaminds.org

NCDM provides a platform for the individual living with dementia to share their perspectives and experiences. They also offer materials to reduce stigma and help friends and family provide support in a way that emphasizes dignity, kindness, and empowerment.

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD)

TheAFTD.org

The AFTD is focused on research, advocacy, education and raising awareness of frontotemporal degeneration (FTD).

Well Med Charitable Foundation

WellMedCharitableFoundation.org

This non-profit organization supports older adults and their caregivers with a special emphasis on wellness and prevention. Check out their video resources for more information!

Podcasts

Centers for Disease Control

The CDC offers a series of podcasts that cover prevention and lifestyle factors that play a role in the development of Alzheimer's in older adults.

Dementia Untangeled

This podcast provides practical tips and strategies for caregivers of individuals with dementia.

John Hopkins Medicine

John Hopkins has compiled a series of podcasts by Helen Hovdesven, a woman whose husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Helen shares her experiences and offers advice for those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

The Dementia Life

This uplifting podcast features the stories of both individuals who are living with dementia and the stories of their care partners. The program is hosted by Chuck McClatchey, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. Storytelling is a powerful tool that makes us aware of others who are also going through similar experiences to ourselves.

Screening

Rivergate Pharmacy & Compounding Center

575 Rivergate Lane, #111

Durango, CO 81301

(970) 375-7711

www.rivergatepharmacy.com

Rivergate Pharmacy is now offering screenings using the Cognivue Thrive device, which tests for potential cognitive impairment. As we are learning, early detection and diagnosis can be crucial both for families and people living with dementia Information about the device can be found at https://cognivue.com/technology/