Jerry McCoy of Phoenix, Arizona has seen the devastating effects
of Alzheimer’s Disease firsthand. While working as the assistant communications
director at the city of Glendale, McCoy was faced with helping take care of his
mother while she was battling the disease.
Shortly after her passing, McCoy left Glendale and began
working as the chief of staff for the city of Surprise, a suburb of Phoenix. While
at Surprise, he often spoke with residents and others in the community who were
caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. A large segment of Surprise is made up
of retirees, and many found the care taking responsibilities too challenging.
McCoy, just a few years removed from dealing with the same
issues, could relate to what he was hearing. There just are not even resources
available for caregivers, many of whom find themselves as the sole providers.
Although McCoy left his post a few years ago, he is pleased
to recently learn the city of Surprise is getting involved in a new initiative
to improve support for families dealing with the disease.
“In addition to the human suffering and strain to the
health-care system, Alzheimer’s is a huge social problem in our country that
will become even more problematic as baby boomers age,” said McCoy.
Surprise is partnering with the Banner Sun Health Research
Institute to create Arizona’s second “Dementia Friendly” city (Tempe was the
first), which is part of the national Dementia Friends initiative. The national movement is hoping to get more
cities across the country involved.
For more information on the new initiative, visit surpriseaz.gov/dementiafriendly.
