For Alzheimer’s care, Kerr County has resources to help families starting at the Dietert Center

The deaths of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa last month in their Santa Fe home have sparked important conversations about senior isolation and caregiver support in Kerr County, where nearly a third of residents are over 65.

Santa Fe authorities revealed Friday that the couple died of natural causes — Arakawa from a rare viral infection and Hackman, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, from heart disease. Investigators believe Arakawa, 65, died first, possibly on Feb. 11 when she was last seen or heard from, and that Hackman, 95, likely remained unaware of her death.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths resonate deeply within Kerrville’s senior community, where many face similar challenges of aging and caregiving.

“It just made me think of this broader story, that caregivers need care too,” said Paige Sumner of the Dietert Center, quoting Emma Willis, whose husband Bruce Willis was diagnosed with dementia in 2023. “They are vital, and it’s important that we show up for them so they can continue to show up for their person.”

Arakawa had become Hackman’s full-time caregiver as his Alzheimer’s progressed, managing household errands, keeping him active and protecting him from illness. The couple’s isolation, despite their fame and resources, highlights a common issue among seniors.

“Even those with resources might not seek help,” said Brenda Thompson, who works with the Dietert Center’s dementia support programs. “Couples often operate with the mindset of taking care of each other, but caregivers need support systems too.”

Thompson cited a sobering statistic: up to 68% of dementia caregivers pass away up to two years before the person they’re caring for, underscoring the physical and emotional toll of full-time caregiving.

Local resources like Meals on Wheels provide more than just nutrition. Volunteers often serve as daily check-ins for isolated seniors, sometimes being the only social contact they receive.

“Our volunteers build relationships with these individuals,” Sumner said. “They’re often the first to notice when something isn’t right.”

The Dietert Center, approaching its 56th year of service to Kerr County seniors, offers multiple resources for those dealing with dementia and their caregivers. These include educational classes such as “Understanding Dementia for Anyone” and “Understanding Dementia Behaviors for Caregivers.”

“Changes Challenges Choices Early Stage Memory Loss,” a four-week program for individuals with early-stage memory loss and their loved ones, helps participants process their diagnosis through shared experiences.

“It can be eye-opening and heartbreaking at the same time,” Thompson said. “But participants ultimately leave so much better off having connected with others going through similar experiences.”

The center also hosts a dementia caregiver support group on the second Wednesday of each month and offers three-day-a-week, five-hour early-stage dementia care to provide essential respite for full-time caregivers.

Dietert Center Resources: Memory & Dementia Care
Educational Classes
Understanding Dementia for Anyone — $15/class

Multiple sessions available throughout the year
Focus on general dementia education for community members
Understanding Dementia Behaviors for Caregivers — $15/class

Sessions focus on managing challenging behaviors
Tools for effective caregiving strategies
Walk In “Dementia’s Shoes” — $10/person

Interactive 45-minute class experiencing dementia symptoms
Designed for two participants at a time
Multiple sessions available on Fridays and Wednesdays
Coping Skills for Caregivers — $15/class

Practical techniques for managing caregiver stress
Regular sessions throughout the year
Communicating through Dementia for Everyone

Tools to maintain connection during cognitive decline
Multiple sessions available
Myths about Brain Health & Dementia

Educational sessions debunking common misconceptions
Evidence-based information on brain health
Support Programs
Changes, Challenges, and Choices — Early Stage Memory Loss Classes

Four-session course provides education and support
For individuals diagnosed with early stages of cognitive impairment and their caregivers
$30 individual/$50 couple
Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 1:30-3:00 PM
Share caregiving experiences and get support from others
Support Group for Early Stage Memory Loss

For individuals and their care partners
Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 1 PM
Take 5 Club Day Respite Care

For people experiencing memory loss
Activities include coffee/tea, exercise, hot lunch, brain stimulation
Provides 5 hours of respite for caregivers
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10am-3pm
Call (830) 792-4044 x225 for pre-participation consultation
Brain Health Programs
Train Your Brain

Educational sessions on strengthening cognitive health
Daily tools for keeping your brain engaged
$10/session
Brain Booster

Sessions designed to help strengthen memory skills
Tools to improve everyday brain health
$10/session
Additional Resources
Personal Alert Link (PAL)

Emergency response system for seniors
Enables independent living with safety measures
Medical Equipment Lending Program

Free access to walkers, wheelchairs, transport chairs, canes, and more
Call (830) 792-4044 for assistance
For more information, contact the Dietert Center at (830) 792-4044 or visit www.clubed.net