Life Enrichment Programs

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is proud of the partnerships we have created and sustained with local arts organizations. At any of these programs, people with dementia and care partners will find fun, friendships and creativity. Please note that due to COVID-19, there are many class changes and cancelations. We recommend you contact the organization with the class that is of interest to you and see how they've adjusted their offerings in light of the pandemic.

Arts Engagement Program at Phoenix Art Museum

This innovative, six-part program actively engages adults with mild to moderate dementia and their care partners with the visual arts. The program blends facilitated conversations around artworks in the collection that aid in triggering memories and strengthening observational skills and focus.

For more information or to enroll in the upcoming session, email or call (602) 307-2032

Art in Mind at Mesa Arts Center

This program is designed for individuals with mild to moderate dementia and their care partners in order to foster dignity and sense of self while building connection and friendship with others through use of the arts.

For more information or registration, email or call (480) 644-6540.

B-Sharp Music Wellness at The Phoenix Symphony

A W.O.N.D.E.R. Project for Alzheimer’s is a program designed for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias as well as their care partners. Participants attend Friday morning Coffee Classics and receive an exclusive pre-concert chat about the day’s music with Principal Timpanist, Bruce Pulk. Other optional program components include backstage tours and a “lunch on your own” with fellow participants at a nearby restaurant following the concert. Registration and discounted ticket purchase
required.

For more information call (602) 495-1999 and ask for the Education Department.

Memory Café at Tempe Public Library

As part of Dementia Friendly Tempe, the Memory Cafe provides a social and resource place for people living with memory loss and their care partners. Each Monday from 9:30 am – noon, participants meet in the Tempe Learning Center (lower level). Caregivers participate in an education/support session while people with memory loss actively participate in a cognitive engagement program. The program is free of charge and no reservations are required.

For more information, visit the website or call (480) 350-8534.

Memory Lounge

Memory Lounge is designed to be an enjoyable, social outing that fosters living in the moment while engaging in the arts, featuring artist-led workshops and museum tours, and light appetizers. Each workshop will focus on a specific arts discipline, including visual arts, music, dance, poetry, drama and more.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts Box Office at (480) 499-TKTS (8587).

VIRTUAL Passport to Music at Musical

Explore the music of the world from the comfort of your Lazy Boy! This 6-week series explores music from a different part of the world each week. People living with memory loss and their care partners can expect to learn, move, reminisce and make music during these action packed sessions. Classes are 1-2:15p on Tuesdays. Participation is $60 per 6-week series and held over Zoom.

For more information and to register, please send an email.

VIRTUAL Shine Your Light: Music, Fun & Camaraderie

Virtual musical experience for persons living with memory loss and their care partners. 90 minutes of music making and connecting - it is a great way to kick off your weekend! Held each Friday, 10-11:30a over Zoom. No cost to participate.

Email for more information and to register.

With Art in Mind

This program seeks to engage people living with dementia through weekly studio art classes at Phoenix Center for the Arts. Open to anyone living within the early to moderate stages of dementia. Each week will feature a new studio art class program taught by a professional teaching artist.

For more information and the class schedule, contact the Outreach Department at (602) 254-3100, ext. 307.