Mercy Care has awarded a $400,000 community reinvestment grant to Oakwood Creative Care in Mesa to support people living with dementia.

The money from the local nonprofit Medicaid health plan is to be used to improve access to social activities and “create meaningful opportunities for engagement and emotional support,” for those with dementia, according to a release.

“This collaboration with Oakwood Creative Care demonstrates Mercy Care’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the members and families we serve,” Mercy Care CEO Lorry Bottrill said.

“We partner with organizations that further our mission that everyone, particularly those who are underserved with complex health needs, deserves to live a healthier life, and achieve their full potential.”

Mercy Care awarded Oakwood the funding for a Dementia Hub through its Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment grant program to address Arizona’s fast-growing number of aging adults and their related health concerns, the release stated, noting by 2025, Arizona is expected to have one of the fastest growth rates of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in the U.S.

The Dementia Hub addresses some of the challenges that families face when caring for a loved one with memory impairment.

It features a coaching program that pairs occupational therapists, family support specialists and physician assistants with caregivers to guide families on ways to provide the best care in a home setting.

It also houses a dementia-inclusive community center, where people living with dementia and their caregivers can connect with others over coffee, participate in support groups and self-care classes and attend special events, the release stated.

The hub also offers training and education classes for workforce professionals to better understand dementia.

“All of these offerings aim to improve seniors’ mental health, wellness and overall abilities to achieve self-sufficiency,” Sherri Friend, president and CEO of Oakwood Creative Care, said.

“Our partnership with Mercy Care will strengthen our ability to serve those families so they can live meaningful lives and celebrate each moment of joy along the way.”

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