In early 2017, I, Karen Taylor, had the opportunity to attend a Community Care Partnership training
hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association. It was in that training that our community was first introduced
to a powerful national initiative: Dementia Friendly America, and the launch of Dementia Friendly
Nevada.
Midway through the training, one of my client’s daughters joined us after seeing the event advertised.
Her entrance wasn’t quiet, or the apologetic kind—it was the kind of raw, an emotional breakdown
that so many adult children of parents with dementia know all too well. She was exhausted from
sleepless nights and overwhelmed by the frustrating lack of useful resources. While the moment
caught everyone off guard, it also struck a deep chord. Every one of us in that room could feel her
pain. That moment—so real, so vulnerable—ignited our shared passion to take action and join the
Dementia Friendly movement.
Three of us from Pahrump channeled that passion into monthly trips to Las Vegas, where we helped
build a strong foundation for Dementia Friendly Southern Nevada. As part of our efforts, we launched
community surveys to assess what people knew about dementia, what educational gaps existed, and
how we could provide better support. To our surprise—and pride—Pahrump submitted more surveys
than the greater Las Vegas Valley. Our message to state representatives was clear: Pahrump is ready
to lead.
Dementia Friendly Pahrump became a local initiative in 2019 with a powerful mission: to increase
awareness and understanding of dementia throughout our community. We aim to educate individuals,
businesses, and organizations on how to recognize and respectfully interact with people living with
dementia.
We work closely with customer service professionals, first responders, and community groups:
anyone who might encounter someone with dementia in their daily lives. With simple strategies and
practical training, we help people feel more confident and compassionate in these moments.
Our goal is to make Pahrump a town that is not only informed but inclusively supportive of those living
with dementia and the care partners who walk alongside them. Because with the right knowledge,
each of us can make a meaningful difference.
We invite you to join us. Whether you have a personal story to share, want to learn more, or are
looking for a way to give back—your voice matters.
Join us at our next meeting:
