Dementia Friendly Nevada Community Group

Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca

Monthly Community Group Meetings:

First Tuesday of each month, 8:00 AM Pacific
Winnemucca City Hall or via Zoom
Meeting ID: 353 064 2536 Passcode: Gini

Community Group Goals

Goal 1: Increase education and public awareness of dementia and support for family care partners through ADF-Winnemucca.
Goal 2: Offer respite to family caregivers through Respite Retreat at the Senior Center as well as through financial support.
Goal 3: Enhance our efforts to age smart, age strong, and age well!
Goal 4: Advance knowledge and understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementias through a variety of events, including The Darkest Day, December 21st, by lighting luminarias throughout our community in honor and remembrance.

Current Activities:

Music and Memory at Respite at Harmony Manor and Quail Corner
Respite for family caregivers each Thursday
Working with AARP on a proposed Pickle Ball Court for Winnemucca
10th Annual “Up & AATT ‘Em” Alzheimer’s Awareness Turkey Trot! Thursday, November 23, 2023

Upcoming Community Group Events

Every Thursday – Respite Program
- 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
10th Annual “Up & AATT ‘Em” Alzheimer’s Awareness Turkey Trot!
- 8:00 AM; Thursday, November 23, 2023
- Click here to register!
Tie-One-On
- Friday, January 12 at Lowry High School Gym
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
- January and February, 2024
Dementia Self-Management Group
- March and April, 2024

Community Group Member Spotlight – Cherese Fifield

Can you please share a little bit about your experience with Dementia Friendly Nevada?
Dementia was something I was always scared of. I didn’t want to “end up” with it, didn’t want my family to have to “deal with it”, and all that implies. So, when Gini Cunningham came to me and asked for the Lowry Cheerleaders to help with the Turkey Trot, Tie One On, and Music and Memory, I knew this was my time to get over my own fears and misconceptions, and introduce our youth to something that has so many unknowns attached to it. And I am so thankful that I did. It has truly changed my outlook and understanding of Dementia. While it can still be scary, I know that those in our community have the support and help that is greatly needed.

What is one of your hopes for how your community can become more respectful, educated, supportive and inclusive of people living with dementia?
Just like many other issues, it’s hard to get people involved until it becomes personal or touches them in some way. I would like to see those who have not been personally affected attend more events, volunteer, and truly listen to those that are touched and get first-hand knowledge so that they could become educated and more aware. Also, if we could reach more of our youth so that they grow up aware and have had some kind of interaction with dementia, I think that would follow with them as they move into adulthood.

What do you wish others knew about volunteering for Dementia Friendly Nevada?
How much love and energy are put into this program. It really is humbling to see what families deal with day in and day out. To see how this program helps and supports them is an amazing thing.

What are you thankful for in your life?
Every breath.

What are a few of your favorite things to do in your free time?
Read, cook, and not have to make decisions 🙂