The Durango Dementia Coalition is working to connect families affected by Alzheimer’s disease with essential resources in La Plata County, Colorado. Founded in 2022 by Pat Demarest, the coalition aims to address the significant gaps in support that many caregivers and patients experience. An estimated 1,100 individuals in La Plata County live with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, and Demarest believes that up to 20% of county residents may be affected by other types of dementia.
Despite the availability of various resources, many families remain unaware of the support systems available to them. Demarest founded the coalition to raise awareness and provide a comprehensive list of resources for both caregivers and patients. In its first year as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the coalition has raised over $8,000 to directly support caregivers through financial aid programs.
The challenges of dementia are profound. According to Demarest, about 60% of individuals with dementia are unaware of their condition, while the remaining 40% often face depression after diagnosis. Demarest’s personal experience with her late husband, who dealt with Alzheimer’s until his death in October, fueled her mission to improve the support network for affected families.
Connecting Families to Resources
Demarest and her team, which includes members from Southwest Colorado Respite Resources, worked to compile a detailed resource guide titled “Planning Your Journey: A Care Planning Tool for People with Dementia, Families, and Caregivers.” This 35-page document features practical advice on living with dementia and navigating local, state, and federal resources.
“None of that exists for this particular disease,” Demarest stated, highlighting the absence of structured care pathways that other conditions enjoy. She emphasized that patients receive little guidance post-diagnosis, often feeling abandoned by the healthcare system.
The coalition has also established a network of caregivers, which currently boasts 120 members. This network allows families to connect and share experiences, while a newsletter reaches approximately 550 subscribers, enhancing communication within the community.
Financial Aid and Community Support
The financial assistance provided by the Durango Dementia Coalition has proven invaluable for many families. For instance, La Plata County resident Paul Rado, whose wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022, received a $1,000 stipend that significantly reduced the burden of care expenses. He said, “This is phenomenal. It’s a good program and it helps people with the financial burden that we already have.”
Similarly, the Jason family utilized their stipend to address ongoing transportation challenges, which remain a significant hurdle for many rural residents. As Demarest noted, the coalition’s caregiver aid packages range from $250 to $1,000, designed to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by families.
Through community fundraising and grants, the coalition has managed to operate with minimal overhead. Key volunteers have contributed their skills in website management and grant writing, allowing the coalition to focus resources directly on supporting caregivers.
Demarest is also actively involved with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Action Coalition. Her advocacy work aims to improve the understanding and appreciation of dementia care in rural areas, which often lack sufficient resources.
Looking ahead, the coalition plans to expand its services across Colorado, particularly into neighboring Montezuma County. One of their ambitious goals is to establish an adult day program that would provide caregivers with respite while ensuring dementia patients are engaged and entertained.
The situation remains critical in La Plata County, where, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 90,800 Coloradans currently live with Alzheimer’s, and the disease claimed the lives of 1,871 individuals in 2022. The coalition’s efforts are vital not only in providing immediate assistance but also in fostering a supportive community for families navigating the complexities of dementia.
As the coalition continues to bridge the gap between available resources and the families that need them, its work exemplifies the impact of grassroots initiatives in addressing significant health challenges in rural areas.
