Caretaking, especially for loved ones, can be a rewarding yet isolating experience. But when you find a community of people going through the same thing, everything feels a bit lighter, which is exactly what Linda Travis, director of healthy aging at the Tucson J, intended when developing the Movement/Arts Immersion program. The program is one of several offerings at the Tucson J designed to support the well-being of aging adults; others include the Parkinson’s Wellness Exercise program, an Aging and Social Connections discussion series, and programs focused on bone health and mobility.
“The Movement/Arts Immersion program here at the J is focused on participants living with early to mild stage dementia and their family members. It’s six hours a week— two, three-hour sessions,” said Linda. “We focus on things like arts, whether it’s coloring, sometimes it’s glassware, clay, and then we have an hour of fitness.”
While creative expression and movement are central components of the program, Linda says the relationships formed among participants and caregivers are just as important. The program creates opportunities for families to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of living with dementia.
The program also focuses on caregivers and loved ones, “the caregivers learn to connect with each other. They get tips from each other like, ‘hey, how do you handle being in a restaurant?’” Linda said, adding that, “it’s very relaxing for the caregiver and the person being cared for. They can make friends, and they don’t have to worry about making mistakes.”
For families navigating dementia, that sense of acceptance and belonging can be life-changing.
“I praise God for the day that Linda let us in here, because it’s been a big, big help for our lives, a good part,” said Marlene Nickolai, who travels nearly an hour to the program each week with her husband, Blaine Patrick, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2012.
Marlene first heard about the program through a friend, “I just thought it would be good to be with other Alzheimer’s people… and he just loves it here. I have a hard time even getting him out of the room!” Marlene said, smiling at Blaine.
For Marlene, the program has allowed her to meet and become friends with other caregivers. Recently, caregiver meetings have been added to the program, allowing the caregivers to gather while their loved ones are safe and happy with Linda and program volunteers.
“I love that we all go around and tell where we’re at in our lives and what problems we’re having. And we help solve each other’s problems,” said Marlene. “It’s wonderful because most caregiver groups don’t allow the spouses to come. And so we can’t get into any others because I can’t leave him.”
For Blaine, the program provides more than activities—it offers connection, purpose, and community. In a welcoming environment where he is encouraged to participate and build relationships, Marlene has watched him become more engaged and confident. “He walks in the room, and he doesn’t even sit by me. He goes back and talks to other people. So it’s a world of difference,” Marlene said.
Marlene’s feelings extend beyond the Movement/Arts Immersion program and reflect the entire Tucson J community, “I just love the feeling here. It’s just warm and comfortable, and everything’s caring… I love it when I see the little babies coming in the carts. All ages are covered here at the J,” she said.
But at the end of the day, Marlene’s dedication to the J is tied to her devotion to Blaine, “I want to do what’s best for him… he knows he matters during the program.”
This is Linda’s hope for everyone. “Throughout all Healthy Aging programs, we have two goals, which are to enhance people’s independence so they can live fully in the community, but also their social connections. We want to decrease their isolation. We want to increase their social connections.”
Feeling connected and involved is important for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Linda added that it’s important to remember that for older adults, “people still find relationships meaningful and satisfying.”
It’s never too late to find your community, and the J makes it easier to connect with others navigating the same stage of life, ensuring that you have a supportive network to celebrate the wins and navigate the challenges — every step of the way.
