The newsletter is intended to help improve the quality of life of family caregivers and seniors in our local communities. Each month we address topics related to the joys and challenges of being a family caregiver. There will be informational articles as well as a list of various meetings, support groups and other resources available to you in our community. Feel free to send your questions, ideas and concerns.
Debbie Stewart

THE CAREGIVER CONNECTION      PO BOX 11929      PRESCOTT AZ 86304      (928) 778-3747 voice      Don@CaregiverConnection.us

SUPPORT GROUPS Last Updated JULY 2024

SUPPORT GROUPS - CLASSES –
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the Support Groups and Classes listed below are still meeting virtually only. However, even if they're not yet meeting in person, they offer support and information by phone, email or via their websites. 

AARP in Yavapai County offers an ongoing selection of virtual educational opportunities to the public. Visit http://www.aarp.org/prescott or www.aarp.org/prescottvalley for the most current list. For more information, call (866) 389-5649. (AARP is a Senior Connection Member)

A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig disease) Support Group meets on the fourth Monday each month, from 1-3 p.m. at Starting Point Church, Prescott. Info: Amy Frank or visit www.alsaz.org.

THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION, DESERT SOUTHWEST CHAPTER, PRESCOTT OFFICE is dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals, families, care partners and communities affected by dementia throughout northern Arizona. The Association offers numerous educational and supportive programs for individuals with dementia (whether diagnosed or not), their caregivers and families, including a support group for those who have early stage dementia. Caregiver Support Groups meet in Prescott (including the Veterans Administration Hospital for caregivers of Veterans only), Prescott Valley and Sedona. There are also support group options for people who primarily speak Spanish and for those who have early stage dementia whether diagnosed or not. Please call the Prescott office at (928) 771-9257 Mon-Friday from 9am-5pm or (800) 272-3900 for additional details on how to join a support group meeting by telephone or Zoom. Additionally, the Alzheimer's Association offers a 24-hour Helpline that is staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week, by trained specialists who can answer your questions. The number is (800) 272-3900. The Alzheimer's Association also has numerous other educational and supportive programs for individuals with dementia; please contact the Prescott office for more information at (928) 771-9257 and/or visit www.alz.org. (The Alzheimer's Association Prescott Office is a Senior Connection Member) 

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP, facilitated by Highgate Senior Living, occurs the last Wednesday of every month from 5-6p.m. in Prescott. Meetings are open to the general public. Location: 1600 Petroglyph Pointe Drive. For info, contact Isabelle Fabrie, Cottage Coordinator, via email at Prescott.mlcp@highgateseniorliving.com or call 541-1400.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP, hosted by the Prescott Valley Public Library on the second and fourth Mondays @ 10:00– 11:30 am in the Glassford Hill Meeting Room. Support Groups provide a forum to share feelings, concerns, information and learn new skills. All our support groups are facilitated by trained individuals and meet at various location and times. Most groups are for family and friends supporting a loved one with dementia, but there are also groups designed specifically for individuals with early-stage dementia. No registration required but space is limited. More information: 928.759.3040

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY offers complimentary patient services in the quad cities. Reach to Recovery is a mentor program that matches breast cancer survivors with new breast cancer patients. Look Good...Feel Better provides cosmetic & skin care products at a 2-hour workshop for women facing cancer. Road to Recovery provides transportation for a patient to and from cancer treatment. Cancer Resource Center at the Arizona Oncology Office in Prescott Valley provides free wigs, fuel cards, head coverings, personal health managers, cancer information, support groups, direction to other local resources plus other comfort items for patients while in cancer treatment. Hope Lodge (located in Phoenix) provides housing for patients undergoing cancer treatments. For information about any of these programs, call toll-free (800) 227-2345.

BEGINNING MEDITATION GROUP is hosted by the Prescott Valley Public Library on the 2nd & 4th Monday in the Digital Media Lab. No registration required but space is limited. More information: 928.759.3040

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT meets Tuesdays from 3-4 p.m. at Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, 303 S Cortez St, Prescott in the Carriage House. Info: 445-2221. Info: 778-3000.

BETTER BREATHERS CLUB - In cooperation with the American Lung Association, Yavapai Regional Medical Center offers educational opportunities and support to those with chronic lung disease (COPD) and their families, friends and support persons. Meets 2nd Monday of month from 1-2 p.m. at YRMC West Campus, Spruce Room. No cost to attend. Info: 771-5264.

BLOOD PRESSURE - free blood pressure readings courtesy of Nurses Network occurs every Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Central Arizona Seniors Association (CASA), 9360 Manzanita Circle in Prescott Valley. Info: 772-3337. Available third Tuesday from 11:30-12:30 at Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E Rosser. Info: 778-3000. 

BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP for individuals with head injuries, including stroke and their caregivers. Third Wednesday of every month from 3-4pm at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 3700 N. Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. Facilitated by Erin Aafedt, SLP. Info: (928) 759-8800.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 4-5 p.m. at Yavapai Regional Medical Center Breast Care Center at Prescott Valley Campus. For individuals in recovery or recently diagnosed. Share experiences and support in a safe, private setting. Info: 442-8647. Breast Health Website has been established by Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Visit www.healthhealinghope.org

CANCER SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP meets the second Tuesday of every month at 1:30pm in the Community Room at Highland Square Apartments, 532 W Mingus Ave in Cottonwood. The group helps individuals who currently have, or have survived, cancer share information and moral support, and connect with others who have faced the same challenges, while adding friendship and support. For more info call Julie (928) 899-9498.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP, sponsored by Area Agency on Aging and Good Samaritan Society, meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 10-11am at Willow Hills Baptist Church, 1071 Mogollon Rd (Room B213), in Prescott. Respite may be available. Info: toll-free (877) 521-3500.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP, sponsored by iCARE Adult Day Center. We Recognize The Challenges Of Being A Caregiver. Join us: First Saturday of each month at 9:00 am. Caregivers from SYNERGY HomeCare will lead an activity for your loved one during the Support Group Meeting. You and your loved one will be served brunch following the activity and meeting. Location: iCARE Adult Day Center, 213 N Marina St, Prescott. To register or for more information call 928-515-1011. (iCARE and SYNERGY are Senior Connection Members)

CHINO VALLEY COMMUNITY LOAN CLOSET has durable medical equipment such as canes, bedside commodes, wheelchairs, walkers, bath benches and toilet risers. There is no charge for the use of the equipment, with the understanding that it is to be returned when it is no longer needed. Managed by People Who Care, and located at Chino Valley Methodist Church, 735 E Road 1 South. Donations of equipment always welcome. Also have personal undergarments available - all sizes. Hours vary - please call first. Info: 636-3295.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the Support Groups and Classes listed below are still meeting virtually only. However, even if they're not yet meeting in person, they offer support and information by phone, email or via their websites.

CHRONIC FATIGUE IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME & Fibromyalgia Group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month from 2-3pm at New Horizons Disability Empowerment Center, 9400 E Valley Rd, Prescott Valley. For info visit www.nhdec.org or call 772-1266 ext 0.

DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP meets first Saturday of each month at 9am at iCare Adult Day Center, 213 N Marina St, Prescott. Facilitated by Ashly Blackwell, RN. For information (928) 515-1011. (iCARE is a Senior Connection Member)

DIABETES - LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES meets the third Tuesday of most months (call to request the yearly schedule) from 5:30-6:30pm at Dignity Health, Pendleton Center, 930 Division St in Prescott. Meetings are free and facilitated by YRMC. Local residents with diabetes, their spouses and caregivers are invited. Info: 771-5794.

DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM, sponsored by Verde Valley Medical Center, offers diabetes support group fourth Monday each month. Meetings focus on diabetes management and education. Info: 639-6346.

FILE OF LIFE is an efficient and potentially life-saving way to ensure important medical information is quickly available to emergency personnel. Packet contains forms that are placed in your wallet and on your refrigerator, making it easily accessible during times of medical emergencies. Provided free by Yavapai Regional Medical Center, 771-5678.

FUNERAL CONSUMERS ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA offers preplanning information for a simple, dignified, affordable funeral. Contact statewide headquarters, 2221 E. Broadway, Ste 106, Tucson, AZ 85719, email TucsonFunerals@gmail.com or call (520) 721-0230. (Funeral Consumers Alliance of Northern AZ merged with Chapters in Phoenix and Tucson to form a statewide organization.)

GOLD STAR MOTHERS have lost sons and daughters in military service. Info: 499-5565 in Prescott.

GRANDPARENT SUPPORT GROUP for grandparents raising grandchildren meets the second Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30pm. at PUSD District Office, 300 E Gurley St in Prescott. Childcare is provided. A safe place to share experiences and find helpful resources. To be added to the notification list for upcoming meeting dates and events, contact Patrick Snider via email at Patrick.snider@prescottschools.com or call (928) 445-5400 ext 70105.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS offered by Good Samaritan Society Prescott Hospice are open to anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a loved one. Groups in Prescott meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 2:00-3:00pm at the Good Samaritan Society Prescott Hospice Administrative Building, 1065 Ruth Street. Groups in Prescott Valley meet the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 1:00-2:00 pm at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 7763 East Long Look Drive. For information related to either group, please call 928-778-5655, ext 410. Masks and adequate spacing are provided to offer safety for all who attend.

HEARING LOSS SUPPORT - For information about resources available for those with hearing loss, contact Jack Clevenger at 227-1809.

HIP REPLACEMENT CLASS - facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center, meets third Thursday from noon-1pm at YRMC Wellness Center in Prescott. Reservations required, call 771-5131; and second Monday in Prescott Valley from 9-10am in the conference room of YRMC's Del E Webb Outpatient Center. Reservations required, call 759-5940.

JOINT REPLACEMENT CLASSES -facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center physical rehabilitation staff, these one-hour educational classes are free in Prescott and Prescott Valley for local residents considering or scheduled for total knee or hip replacement surgery. See entries in this section for Hip & Knee Replacement classes offered by YRMC.

JOINT REPLACEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM occurs every Tuesday at 10am in Prescott Valley. Location: Nurses Network, 3085 N Windsong Drive. Call (928) 772-8707 for more info.

KNEE REPLACEMENT CLASS - facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center, meets fourth Friday from 1-2pm in the Wellness Center at YRMC West in Prescott. Reservations required, call 771-5131; and third Monday in Prescott Valley from 9-10am in the conference room, 2nd floor, at Del E Webb Outpatient Center. Reservations required, call 759-5940.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the Support Groups and Classes listed below are still meeting virtually only. However, if they're not yet meeting in person, they do offer support and information by phone, email or via their websites.

LIVING WITH LOSS SUPPORT GROUP, sponsored by Hospice of the Pines meets by appointment on a one-on-one basis. Info: 632-0111.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN - New Horizons Disability Empowerment Center's Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Loan Closet includes walkers, crutches, shower chairs, electric scooters & power chairs, as well as other items. For availability status, please contact the main office (928) 772-1266 Ext 0. (New Horizons is a Senior Connection Member)

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION (Polara Health) meets every Thursday 1 - 2 pm in the Debra Room the United Methodist Church Prescott on Gurley Street. The only requirement is attendees be at least 55 years old. For more information, contact Sandra Miner sandrahq@yahoo.com

MOBILITY ASSISTANCE AIDS including crutches, walkers, canes and wheelchairs are available for loan, rent or sale at CASA (Central Arizona Seniors Association), 9360 Manzanita Circle, Prescott Valley. Call 772-3337 for info. (CASA a Senior Connection Member)

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP meets 2nd Monday 11:30am-1pm at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 3700 N Windsong Dr, Prescott Valley. Info: 759-8800. (Mountain Valley is a Senior Connection Member)

NEW HORIZONS DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT CENTER (NHDEC) in Prescott Valley holds the following Support Groups: Brain Injury & Spinal Injury Group meets the third Wednesday of the month from 1-2pm. Diabetes Support Group meets the second Wednesday of the month from 2:30-3:30pm All activities are Fragrance Free. Call the office at (928) 772-1266 for more information. Located at 9400 East Valley Road, Prescott Valley. Visit www.nhdec.org (New Horizons is a Senior Connection Member)

PRESCOTT PARKINSON SUPPORT GROUP. Meets Third Thursday: 10:00a to 11:30a. Contact: Pat Levin, United Methodist Church 505 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ. Zoom meeting contact: prescottpd2020@gmail.com

PRESCOTT PD CAREPARTNERS GROUP. Meets second Tuesday: 10:00a to 11:30a. Contact: Carol Lisbona, Prescott United Methodist Church 505 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ. Email: cllisbona@gmail.com

PET ILLNESS/PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP meets Wednesdays from 12-1:30pm at Prescott Valley Library, 7401 E Civic Circle, Geneology Room. Facilitated by an experienced therapist who understands what it is like to struggle with declining health, the letting go process and the loss of a beloved family pet. Info: Rutger@cableone.net or (928) 632-8124.

PHYSICIAN LISTING SERVICES is provided by Yavapai Regional Medical Center. For information about the availability of physicians who serve and are accepting senior patients in the extended Prescott area: 771-5106.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, Us Too, meets 4th Thursday each month (except July & August) at 2pm at Good Samaritan's Prescott Valley Samaritan Center, 3380 N Windsong Drive. The group also maintains a Facebook page containing resources. Info: Jack Wilson at jackwilson@cableone.net or 445-5137. (Good Samaritan is a Senior Connection Member) 

RESPIRATORY WELLNESS CLASSES - facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Goal is to help people manage COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Classes are free and meet in both Prescott and Prescott Valley. Call 771-5264 for times, topics and locations.

REVERSING HEART DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP meets 2nd Monday 3-4pm at Yavapai Regional Medical Center Wellness Center, 930 Division Street in Prescott (across from YMCA). Topics include dietary changes, stress reduction, exercise techniques and research outcomes. No charge to attend, however, pre-registration is suggested. Info: 771-5794.

SENIORS IN SOBRIETY Alcoholics Anonymous meets Tuesdays at 10am in Prescott at 133 Bradshaw Dr. Info: www.prescottaa.org or 445-8691.

SENIOR MEN'S SUPPORT GROUP, sponsored by Senior Peer Program of Polara Health. A support group for senior men to share the joys and challenges of aging. Pre-Registration required. Visit their website at www.SeniorPeerProgram.org or call 445-5211 x2035. (Polara is a Senior Connection Member)

SENIOR PEER PROGRAM of Polara Health offers various groups and classes. Pre-Registration required. Visit their website at www.SeniorPeerProgram.org or call (928) 445-5211 Ext 2035. (Polara is a Senior Connection Member)

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the Support Groups and Classes listed below are still meeting virtually only. However, if they're not yet meeting in person, they do offer support and information by phone, email or via their websites.

SENIOR PEER SUPPORT matches Senior volunteers with Seniors who would benefit from having a peer visitor. Volunteers and participants are generally age 60 and above. Through weekly visits in their homes, participants in the program receive peer support to decrease a sense of loneliness, learn how to adapt to life changes, as well as successfully manage emotional and physical well-being. There are no costs for the services and no financial eligibility requirement. Participants may request services or may be referred by a health care provider, family and friends. Potential volunteers are always needed. Pre-Registration required. For more info, visit their website at www.SeniorPeerProgram.org, or call 445-5211 ext 2035. (Polara is a Senior Connection Member)

SINGING IN THE KEY OF LIFE GROUP, sponsored by Senior Peer Program of Polara Health is a group for seniors that centers around a love of singing and sharing. Pre-Registration required. For more info, visit their website at www.SeniorPeerProgram.org, or please call 445-5211 ext 2035. (Polara is a Senior Connection Member)

SPINAL CORD INJURY SUPPORT GROUP meets the first Thursday at 6pm at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 3700 N Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. Info: 759-8800. (Mountain Valley is a Senior Connection Member)

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP meets the first and third Fridays each month from 10:15-11:30am in the Deborah Room at Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 W Gurley Street in Prescott. The group, sponsored by People Who Care, is for stroke survivors and family members, and features experts in speech pathology, social work and nursing. For information call 445-2480.

SUSAN J RHEEM MEMORY CAFÉ - Adult Care Services is pleased to announce the first Memory Café in the quad-city area, hosted by The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center, occurs the second Saturday each month from 9-10:30 a.m. Designed for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment, AND their caregivers (family member, companion, friend, or professional.) The purpose is to enjoy a special time together, free from the challenges of the disease and provide a break from the normal routine. It's a time for refreshment, mutual support and fun, for caregiver and loved one together! Activities will be planned by those who attend and will include such things as art presentations, live music, sing-a-longs, poetry readings, reminiscing and sharing stories, cooking demos and more. The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center (a non-profit adult day health program) serves adults 18 years of age and older facing Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges. Location: 3407 N. Windsong Dr in Prescott Valley. Call 441-1019 for more info. (Adult Care Services is a Member of Senior Connection)

TAKE YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL is a 1-hour Back Care Certification Course. Learn about the causes, care and prevention of back pain. Class is free, but reservations are required. For current schedule and to rsvp, call 771-5131 in Prescott.

TRANSPORTATION- Mayer Area Meals on Wheels van is available to take local residents to doctor's appointments, for labwork, to pick up prescriptions or shop for groceries. Call 632-7511 to make a reservation. Please provide at least one week's notice.

TRANSPORTATION - New Horizons Disability Empowerment Center provides transportation services for people with disabilities and people who are elderly, including those needing wheelchair access. Transportation is available Monday through Friday (Saturday by appointment only). Call Transportation's direct line at (928) 775-8870 with 3 business days' notice to guarantee rides. NACOG vouchers accepted. Rides can be to appointments, grocery, medical, shopping, social engagements, prescription pick-up, etc. Call to request more info.

TRANSPORTATION - YAValine Regional Public Transit System provides On-Demand rides in Prescott Valley, Monday - Friday between 6am-8pm (including a transfer point for Chino Valley YRT), for $2 per trip. For information, contact New Horizons Disability Empowerment Center at (928)775-8870. (New Horizons is a Senior Connection Member)

WIDOWS SUPPORT GROUP, sponsored by Widows Might of Prescott. We strive to help each widow to maintain her joy through our readiness to walk along side her through this season of Life by empowering, supporting and engaging with the widows in our surrounding area, to follow God's word in James 1:27. Widows Might meets on first Friday of each month from 2-3pm, and the third Thursday from 2-3pm. Location at Gateway Mall. For more info or exact location, call Char at 928-445-3794.

WINDOWS is a community-wide organization that is focused on the needs of widows. Rather than refer to themselves as widows, members of the group refer to themselves as Windows because a window suggests a positive, and light being shed on new beginnings; perhaps hope. Windows is not a therapy group. It is a group of women who have lost their spouse and are seeking to find joy again - life after grief. In addition to planning fun activities, they also seek to build relationships and come alongside and support one another. For information about the group in the quad-cities, contact Diane Jacobson at (928) 420-8646 or (928) 771-9576.

WOMEN OF WISDOM (WOW) Sponsored by Senior Peer Program of Polara Health. A Support Group for senior women to share the joys and challenges of aging. or current schedule visit their website at www.SeniorPeerPeogram.org or call 445-5211 x2672. . (Polara is a Senior Connection Member)

Compiled by: Senior Connection, www.SeniorConnection.us
We would appreciate if you would notify us at Debbie@SeniorConnection.us if you learn of any changes to the above information. Thank you!

Whether you are an adult child caring for an aging parent, a spouse or sibling providing care to a relative, or a senior caring for yourself, the information and products available via the www.SeniorConnection.us website are designed to improve your quality of life. 

THE
SENIORCONNECTION.US WEBSITE

   As caregivers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be accomplished for your loved ones each day.
    Although hundreds of resources exist to help you, the hardest part can be finding what’s available. 
   Therefore, in addition to the Caregiver Connection newsletter, I am also pleased to make available to you several valuable resources via the “Senior Connection website.” This web-based one-stop Educational and Information center for Caregivers and Seniors is designed to save you time and money, as well as your sanity.
   The SeniorConnection.us website consists of a comprehensive Resource Directory, Articles on topics of relevance to caregivers and seniors, and informational Videos and Slideshows about agencies that offer help throughout Yavapai County.


SENIOR RESOURCES DIRECTORY

   The Resources Directory contains contact information for hundreds of local nonprofit, government and commercial agencies that provide helpful products and services to ease the life of caregivers. 
   Updated weekly, this searchable database will save you literally hundreds of research hours and connect you with nonprofit, government and commercial agencies that can help with every aspect of being a caregiver. 
   Categories include areas such as assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, in-home care providers, transportation, meal preparation and delivery, and financial assistance. 
   A search on one or more keywords results in all of the companies that provide a particular product or service. You can then print out the Profile of each agency that is of interest to you. 
   All on the website at: 
Senior Connection.us


INFORMATIONAL ARTICLES

The Informational Articles section contains articles on a wide variety of topics relating to aging. The articles are short and sweet, yet go directly to the heart of the matter of some of the most sensitive issues surrounding our fears and frustrations as caregivers. No topic is off-limits and new articles are constantly being added to the website at: SeniorConnection.us


EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS

Educational Videos and Slideshows, narrated by recognized experts in the community, are posted on the website. Additionally, videos and slideshows featuring nonprofit and for-profit agencies that provide products or services to caregivers and seniors will be available at the website: 

Senior Connection.us



The information contained herein and throughout the website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be construed as legal, medical or financial advice. Use of this information indicates your understanding of, and agreement to the above.


 

Disclaimer:
The inclusion of information about the agencies listed above does not represent an endorsement on the part of this publication, the Caregiver Connection, Senior Connection, nor their staff or officers. It is your responsibility to verify the validity, reliability and suitability of any of the agencies with whom you may wish participate.

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