Memory Ministry

Connections is a respite/social program that supports individuals living with memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease by connecting friends, family, and faith. Due to the ongoing need to practice safety measures due to the pandemic, Connections is not meeting at this time.

We host a Memory Cafe at  “Our Giving Tree” Bookstore and Gift Shop 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.

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.

Trainings and workshops are offered throughout the year via Zoom and in person.

Becoming a caregiver for someone living with memory loss can bring fear, sadness, feelings of being overwhelmed, anger, and even helplessness. It is shocking and confusing when your family member’s behaviors change and you are unprepared to manage the mood swings, or even the depression your family member may experience. Until you can begin to understand what’s causing the changes, you just don’t know what you can do about it.

Finding answers, support, and connecting with others who understand and can relate to what you are going through will be the first step in building your toolbox and tackling this new challenge. That is why our Memory Ministry is offering a Virtual Caregivers Support Group on Tuesdays evenings. Research shows that support groups are effective in reducing caregiver burden and gaining a sense of empowerment, control, or hope.

The FUMC Virtual Support Group for Caregivers will offer opportunities for caregivers to:

•          feel less lonely, or isolated.

•          reduce distress, depression, anxiety, or fatigue

•          talk openly and honestly about your feelings

•          learning strategies and skills to cope with the challenges

•          bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences.

When: Tuesday evenings

Time: Tuesdays 7:00pm – 8:00pm