'Prevent isolation before it becomes a crisis': Older adults, caregivers need regular check-ins

Nearly a month has passed since actor Gene Hackman died alone, and due to his Alzheimer’s disease, he was likely unaware that his wife and caregiver had died a week earlier.

Now, one Mesa organization is asking the public to check in on their elderly neighbors and loved ones.

Sherri Friend is the president and CEO of Oakwood Creative Care in Mesa, a nonprofit that serves older adults with cognitive and physical impairments.

"And so we are really trying to create awareness around the fact that it's very isolating when a loved one gets diagnosed with dementia," Friend said.

The organization is partnering with the Mesa Fire Department and Barrow Neurological Institute to launch a public awareness campaign emphasizing the need for regular check-ins

"If we can come together as a community and really support each other, we won't have situations happen like what happened, unfortunately, with Gene and his wife," Friend said.

Friend said a simple phone call or visit can make all the difference to both the person living with dementia and their care partner, who may be isolated as well.

"So a simple phone call, video chat, or a visit can just give that touch point of making sure everything's going OK. And then look: So when you make that weekly check-in, look for any changes, any shifts in memory, any changes in mobility."

Mesa Fire and Medical Department: A safety net for seniors

"When we along with the Police Department conduct welfare checks, we often find seniors in distress—sometimes due to medical issues, dehydration, or simply because they’ve gone too long without human interaction," said Mesa Assistant Fire Chief Forrest Smith.

"These checks can be life-saving, but our ultimate goal is to work with family and friends to prevent isolation before it becomes a crisis. We urge families to step in before we have to."

How families can take action

Through the "Reconnect for Joy" campaign, Oakwood Creative Care is providing families with simple, actionable steps to stay engaged with older loved ones:

• Set a Weekly Check-In: A simple phone call, video chat, or visit can make a significant difference.
• Look for Changes: During welfare visits, observe any shifts in memory, mobility, or mood that could signal a need for additional support.
• Encourage Social Interaction: Help seniors stay involved with local senior centers, day programs, or family gatherings. Oakwood Creative Care’s Adult Day Clubs offer a structured way for seniors to engage in art, music, and social activities that promote brain health.
• Know When to Seek Help: If a loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline or extreme isolation, reach out to experts like Oakwood Creative Care or Barrow Neurological Institute for resources and professional guidance.