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.
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.pdfDWD-Electronic-Handbook.pdfTaking 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’s
Mississippi, The MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center,
and The Mississippi Department of Mental Health. Many thanks to the
following individuals who dedicated countless hours to the development of
this resource: Kathy Van Cleave, Denise Lafferty, Patty Dunn, TJ Harvey, Sue
Ann Meng, Melora Jackson, Rebecca Brookshire, Andi Agnew, Jennifer Knight,
Maria Allen, and Virgilio Guardado.
resourceguide_ms_2009.pdfAdvance 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
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
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
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.
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
Take A Larger Way: Reflections of A Dementia Caregiver
Jay Brenneman
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.
Axis Health System
970-335-2217
Mercy Family Medicine Horse Gulch
Renee Melanchon Physician Assistant, Specializing in Dementia Care
810 E. 3rd St.
Suite 201
Durango, CO 81301
970-764-1790
Companionship
La Plata County Senior Services
LaPlata County Senior Services provides thoroughly vetted individuals employed by or volunteers of the county who will deliver assistance such as:
Technology (online shopping, appointments, etc.).
Daily planning (to-do lists, dates to remember).
Companionship with activities such as conversation, board or card games, crafts, puzzles or watching a movie.
Some limited transportation may be available for shopping or appointments.
Home Instead
Home Instead, Durango also offers similar companionship services for older adults.
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
Serving La Plata & Montezuma County
631 E Main Street
Cortez, CO 81321
970-516-1234
855-381-1529
LifeCare@ftitel.net
Durango, Colorado
691 Co Rd 233 A-6
Durango, Colorado 81301
970-344-9717
555 S Camino Del Rio #C28
Durango, CO 81303
970-385-8414
160 Rock Point Dr #C
Durango, CO 81301
970-828-6700
2855 Main Ave
Durango, CO 81301
970-946-2932
610 E 8th Ave
Durango CO 81301
970-247-2292
Mancos, Colorado
13886 Rd 33
Mancos, CO 81328
970-882-7008
Private Home Care
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 health disparity in many areas, including access to dementia resources. Accessibility can be improved when care partners are well-informed about the respective cultures they serve. Doing so can also help them 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 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.
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
Amos Soignier
2855 Main Ave. Suite B 101
Durango, CO 81301
970-247-3315
Last Will & Testament, and other services
835 East 2nd Ave suite #250
Durango, CO 81301
970-385-0600
Michelle der Ohanesian
Elder Law, Trusts, & Estate Planning
1099 Main Ave. suite #318
970-828-4605
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
Sara Alsgaard, ND-psychiatry
970-764-0093
Michael Washinsky, DO-psychiatry
*Accepts Medicare
970-799-6911
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
Laura Marcu Buck, DO Pagosa Springs Medical Center
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
Casey Consulting. Sheila Casey, LPC, CSA. 970-946-4223
Shannon Arriola, LPC 602-8287-8880
Shari Fitzgerald, LPC. 970-422-1761
Mark Dickmann, LCSW. 970-769-1569
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!
Southern Ute Reservation, CO 81137
970-563-4561
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
Organizations
Alzheimer’s Association
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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 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)
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)
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)
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/
Support Groups
Respite
SOUTHWEST COLORADO RESPITE (SCOR970)
Southwest Colorado Respite Resources
135 Country Center Drive
STE F 62
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
https://www.scorr970.org/how-to-apply
SCOR970 is a nonprofit organization that funds respite care via an application process to determine eligibility. You can donate to this organization by clicking here.
Tertiary Centers Providing Advanced Care
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
1823 Camino de Salud
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone 505-272-3160
Fax 505-272-9427
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
UCHealth Neurology Clinic - Memorial Hospital North
4110 Briargate Pkwy Suite 405,
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Phone: 719-365-7300
Fax: 719-365-7301
DENVER,CO
UC Health Neurology Clinic-Cherry Creek
Phone: 720-516-9415
UC Health Neurology Clinic-Central Park
3055 Roslyn Street Suite 120 Denver, CO 80238
Phone: 720-848-2080
GRAND JUNCTION, CO
SCL Health Medical Group - Neurology
750 Wellington Ave Ste 3C
Grand Junction, CO 81501-6124
Phone: 970-298-3150
Fax 970-298-3151
PHOENIX, AZ
Barrows Neurological Institute
2910 N 3rd Ave,
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: 866-659-0198
901 E Willetta St 1st Floor and 3rd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 602-839-6900
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Mayo Clinic Neurology and Neurosurgery
13400 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Phone: 623-401-2288