Choosing our Own at-Home Options
The COHO program is designed to support adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias or other cognitive disabilities, as well as their caregivers. Each qualifying Mat-Su participant will be assigned a COHO Consultant, who will work with you to create a tailored plan of supports and services to maximize independence and aging-in-place.
** Qualified participants must reside in the Mat-Su Borough, cannot live in an ALH/nursing home, and cannot be receiving services under any Medicaid waiver program.
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Who can benefit?
- Family caregivers of someone living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
- A person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias who lives alone.
- A person with an intellectual or developmental disability with suspected cognitive decline who lives alone.
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A COHO consultant will provide:
- Information and support to help connect you with health and community resources.
- Consultation using BRI Care Consultation™ to better understand your situation and provide information that can assist you in prioritizing concerns and making informed decisions.
- Referral to educational materials, trainings, and peer support.
- Assistance in developing a step-by-step support plan, with limited funding, to guide you through this journey.
- Ongoing support in adjusting as situations change or when faced with challenges.
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For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Shelby Farthing at 907-771-9136, or email sfarthing@alzalaska.org. Send faxes to 907-561-3315.
COHO Team
Sheila Shinn is the former Director of Geriatrics & Gerontology Initiatives with the Center for Human Development at the University of Alaska Anchorage. After many years teaching and training the future workforce in Alaska in a variety of topics in geriatrics, she decided to leave UAA and put her training into practice as a Court Visitor with the Alaska Court System, as well as consulting with local non-profits working with older adults with ADRD’s. She is currently the Project Director for Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska’s COHO Mat Su project, a grant focused on supporting caregivers and older adults living with ADRD’s to remain independent in the Mat Su Valley. Sheila holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Alaska Anchorage, along with national certifications in working with people experiencing ADRD’s. She is a proud Mat Su borough resident and is thrilled to serve her local community and fellow neighbors.
COHO Director
Sheila Shinn is the former Director of Geriatrics & Gerontology Initiatives with the Center for Human Development at the University of Alaska Anchorage. After many years teaching and training the future workforce in Alaska in a variety of topics in geriatrics, she decided to leave UAA and put her training into practice as a Court Visitor with the Alaska Court System, as well as consulting with local non-profits working with older adults with ADRD’s. She is currently the Project Director for Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska’s COHO Mat Su project, a grant focused on supporting caregivers and older adults living with ADRD’s to remain independent in the Mat Su Valley. Sheila holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Alaska Anchorage, along with national certifications in working with people experiencing ADRD’s. She is a proud Mat Su borough resident and is thrilled to serve her local community and fellow neighbors.
COHO Director
Shelby moved to Alaska after completing her Masters of Public Health in Health, Services, Policy and Management at the University of South Carolina. She is an Aunt to six nephews and two nieces, and is a ‘Dog Mom’ to her 10-year-old rescued Miniature Pincher named Jake. When she is not at work, Shelby is pursuing her PhD in Health Education and Promotion at Walden University, and also enjoys hiking and tv shows like New Girl and Brooklyn 99.
Specialty: COHO Coordinator, Dementia Education
📞 907-561-3313 [ext 136]
✉ sfarthing@alzalaska.org
Shelby moved to Alaska after completing her Masters of Public Health in Health, Services, Policy and Management at the University of South Carolina. She is an Aunt to six nephews and two nieces, and is a ‘Dog Mom’ to her 10-year-old rescued Miniature Pincher named Jake. When she is not at work, Shelby is pursuing her PhD in Health Education and Promotion at Walden University, and also enjoys hiking and tv shows like New Girl and Brooklyn 99.
Specialty: COHO Coordinator, Dementia Education
📞 907-561-3313 [ext 136]
✉ sfarthing@alzalaska.org
Kevin is our expert on mini-grants and offers support to the Education team. His personal experiences in dealing with dementia make him a valuable resource to those navigating a similar journey.
Specialty: Mini-Grants, COHO
📞 907-561-3313 [ext 122]
📠 907-561-3315
✉ ksilver@alzalaska.org
Kevin is our expert on mini-grants and offers support to the Education team. His personal experiences in dealing with dementia make him a valuable resource to those navigating a similar journey.
Specialty: Mini-Grants, COHO
📞 907-561-3313 [ext 122]
📠 907-561-3315
✉ ksilver@alzalaska.org
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Johnathan moved to Alaska in 2010. He has over 12 years of healthcare and medical experience supporting people of all ages. He has worked to help create activities and programs for mentally challenged adolescents and children and has also worked in the Orthopedic Unit at a local Anchorage hospital.
When he’s not working Johnathan loves to travel, watch football and basketball, and enjoys camping and being in the outdoors.
Specialty: COHO, Dementia Education
Education: Nursing degree
Languages: English, Tagalog
📞 907-561-3313 [ext 105]
📠 907-561-3315
✉ jdavin@alzalaska.org
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Johnathan moved to Alaska in 2010. He has over 12 years of healthcare and medical experience supporting people of all ages. He has worked to help create activities and programs for mentally challenged adolescents and children and has also worked in the Orthopedic Unit at a local Anchorage hospital.
When he’s not working Johnathan loves to travel, watch football and basketball, and enjoys camping and being in the outdoors.
Specialty: COHO, Dementia Education
Education: Nursing degree
Languages: English, Tagalog
📞 907-561-3313 [ext 105]
📠 907-561-3315
✉ jdavin@alzalaska.org
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