Oakwood Creative Care Inc

Revolutionizing Dementia & Aging Care With Compassion & Innovation

Oakwood Creative Care (OCC) is a grassroots nonprofit organization with a mission to enhance the quality of life and spark JOY for older adults with cognitive or physical challenges.

We know that caring for a loved one with dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, or other age-related challenges can feel overwhelming. That is why, at OCC, we offer innovative, life-enriching care solutions that go beyond traditional adult day programs and memory care. Our brain-health-focused approach fosters dignity, joy, and purpose while providing expert support for families.

There is life beyond a diagnosis, and OCC is here to support each person in mind, body, and spirit. With 3 Adult Day Care "Clubs" throughout the East Valley and Arizona's first-ever all-inclusive Dementia HUB, OCC supports families in every chapter of their story. 

OCC Day Clubs offer a new paradigm of thinking for home and community-based services by honoring personhood, enhancing self-esteem, and igniting purpose through expressive art workshops, fitness classes, history lessons, storytelling, music, dance, and community. 

We also recognize that there is no "clocking out" for caregivers once their loved ones leave the Clubs for the day. That is why OCC's Dementia HUB in Mesa further extends care partner support services and community outreach through its Memory Cafe, Home Simulation Lab, and Workforce Training Room. Each of these resources has been built from the ground up by both dementia experts and community members who have walked this path before -- knowing which challenges are more likely to arise and what tools are available to make life at home easier. 

Because of OCC programs, family members are empowered to keep their loved ones at home instead of moving into an institutionalized setting with minimal support, information, training, or hope.

A Special Message From an OCC Day Club Member:

"Oakwood is unlike any other place I have ever been. It’s magical and a true blessing. You make us feel like we matter here and like we are unique individuals. There is a sense of connection among the individuals present. No one is the same, and you see us beyond our dementia.

Each person has a unique story to tell, and despite the challenges they face, an underlying camaraderie fills the room. There is JOY in the room. 

Oakwood gives us a space that lets us be happy and giggle. Giggling is thought of for kids, but adults need to giggle, too. You smile, and then I smile; it’s a wave of emotion that connects us as humans. All men and women need Oakwood because we all need connection. 

At Oakwood, I feel accepted, loved, filled with joy, connected to others, and truly blessed!"