Observation Skills are Key when Communicating with Someone Living with Dementia
Active listening skills are important when communicating with anyone, especially with someone living with dementia. Developing observation...
Memory Ministry
Supporting those living with memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease and their families and friends.
The spiritual needs of people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often overlooked, which can cause spiritual distress. Spiritual care is essential for individuals living with memory loss and for their families and friends. There is no evidence that spiritual needs are lessened for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Spiritual and social connectedness is key to our overall well-being.
The basic needs for those living with dementia are no different than anyone else. Feeling respected and valued, feeling understood, living with a sense of purpose, dignity, self-worth, and being appreciated as a person are needs we all experience. Our Memory Ministry embraces and supports the whole family who is living with the challenges that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may bring.
Memory Cafe
We host a Memory Cafe in room 201B on Monday mornings from 10:00am to 11:30am.
A Memory Cafe is a facilitated social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partner. Memory Cafes were introduced in 1997 in the Netherlands as a way to break through the stigma associated with various forms of dementia and include families in their communities
It is a safe and comfortable space where participants enjoy structured activities, group discussions, and opportunities for reminiscing. The gathering is scheduled weekly and light refreshments are served.
Registration is not required, however calling ahead can ensure you have a spot.
Coaching for Family & Friends
Are you providing care for a family member living with memory loss and need support and help learning strategies on communicating with conflict, or discovering meaningful activities that can help decrease your loved one’s boredom or anxiety? Or perhaps a friend that needs tips on how to support your friend and the family? Coaching sessions may help!
Vicky Pitner is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and is available for phone, email, or in-person coaching sessions to offer support. Below are examples of topics of support.
- Strategies to decrease caregiver burnout.
- Problem solve changes in behaviors and how to manage them.
- Meet with the family for individualized training specific to your needs.
- Address family spiritual needs by meeting with one of our pastors.
- Teaching strategies on engaging your loved ones and keeping them active.
- Strategies to transition a family member into a new place of living.
- Work with friends on tips of going to a restaurant, engaging in conversations to create joy, and how to continue being a good friend.
- Offer tools to the family to confidently advocate for their loved ones.
- Create a leisure and wellness plan for the care partners to promote health and decrease feelings of anxiety and burnout.
Education & Awareness
Trainings and workshops are offered throughout the year via Zoom and in person.
Articles
Internalized Ageism
As we age and live with the changes in our functioning abilities, we may experience a fear of loss of our independence. The anxiety and...
The Season of Lent
Lent is a time of preparation and reflection leading up to Easter. People frequently decide to make sacrifices or add additional service...
Benefits of Rocking Chair Therapy and Dementia
My love of rocking began on the back porch of my grandmother’s Tennessee home. We didn’t have a rocking chair at my house, but the...
Upcoming Events
Contact Our Leader
Vicky Pitner
Memory Ministry Coordinator