Memory Care Training

Hospice of the Valley wins state approval to train dementia caregivers

The Arizona Department of Health Services has appointed nonprofit Hospice of the Valley as a provider of memory care training for dementia caregivers.

New state regulations for assisted living facilities that offer memory care took effect on July 1, 2025. They mandate enhanced training for staff working with residents living with all types and stages of dementia and other cognitive impairments.

Hospice of the Valley’s professional training program is offered at no charge to the community. This vital education shares best practices in dementia care, utilizing engaging role-playing videos that depict real-life challenges that all caregivers encounter. Our dementia experts teach insightful communication techniques and demonstrate skilled approaches for managing difficult behaviors — strategies that improve quality of life, especially as the disease progresses to advanced stages.

Caregivers must now complete eight hours of initial training, which includes six hours of online video modules and a two-hour in-person session at one of Hospice of the Valley’s clinical offices (Phoenix, Peoria, Scottsdale and Mesa).

They will also receive an additional four hours of continuing education each year.

“We’re honored to help raise the standard of care for people living with dementia in our communities,” says Dr. Gillian Hamilton, medical director of our Supportive Care for Dementia program. “Our goal is to support caregivers and ensure that every person with dementia feels safe, valued and well cared for.”

We’re excited to work together to make Arizona a leader in compassionate dementia care!

For more information on Hospice of the Valley’s free memory care services training, call (602) 767-8300 or email dementiacampus@hov.org.

Trainers

Dementia Program Director Maribeth Gallagher

Maribeth Gallagher, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

Dr. Maribeth Gallagher is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Doctoral degree in Nursing. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and serves as the director of the Dementia Program at Hospice of the Valley. Dr. Gallagher’s commitment to optimizing dementia care was initially inspired by her own experiences as a family caregiver, sharing the journey with her loved one with dementia from diagnosis to death.

Calli Carlson, OTR/L, CLT

Calli Carlson is an occupational therapist experienced in management, education, clinical instruction, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, lymphedema management and dementia care. She performs home-safety evaluations, completes mobility assessments, instructs on appropriate exercise routines, identifies suitable activities for engagement and brainstorms strategies to foster independence in activities of daily living.

Belinda Ordonez, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CHPN

Belinda Ordonez is a board-certified family nurse practitioner providing hospice and palliative care since 2000. Combining her love for geriatrics and dementia care, she enjoys helping families learn to live well with dementia, sharing best practices for maximizing comfort, finding joy and sparking connection at every stage of the condition.