Did you know the median age of Fountain Hills residents is about 61 years old? This suggests many of our neighbors face challenges of aging, often including dementia. Though caring for someone in the final stages can be a privilege, it can also be frightening, exhausting, lonely and confusing.
Until recently, there was a gap in our community — a lack of accessible support for family caregivers. Councilperson Peggy McMahon identified a need and, with resident Linda Rode, mobilized. Peggy assembled a group to learn about Dementia Friendly Towns, a national initiative to help communities accommodate those with dementia and their caregivers, offering education and support. In 2020, Fountain Hills was named a Dementia Friendly Town, one of only 13 in our state.
Before attending the second annual Dementia Caregiver Summit at our Community Center, I hadn’t realized the importance of finding support for caregivers. The summit opened my eyes to the emotional toll caregiving takes and highlighted how essential it is for caregivers to have a strong support network. If you were there, you could feel the solidarity in the room.
Research shows that caregivers often suffer from stress, increasing their risk of cognitive decline or dementia due to emotional strain. Caregiving can be a 24/7 responsibility, leaving many feeling overwhelmed, isolated and unsupported. Research suggests that women make up approximately 75% of caregivers.
I’m one of the lucky ones. With six siblings, my father is well taken care of. Yet the pressure and lack of knowledge can cause fear, confusion and strife. He is our father, but not the father we knew before dementia.
While Councilwoman McMahon’s demeanor can sometimes be misinterpreted as reserved, her commitment to positive change speaks volumes. Her quiet determination has played a key role in bringing these much-needed resources to the community.
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