Living Well with Memory Loss – FUMC’s Memory Café
Studies continue to show that socialization, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, having an outlet for self-expression through art or music, and nurturing a person’s spirituality not only can help reduce the risks of developing cognitive decline, these same activities can actually slow the progression of dementia.
Remaining social and active can also improve mood, help with depression, assist in maintaining independence and enhance overall well-being, without the side effects that some medications can cause! FUMC is fortunate to have a weekly Memory Café that does just that! And best of all, the families attend with their family member and will reap the same benefits to promote self-care.
The Memory Café has been meeting on Mondays mornings from 10:00am-11:30am since August of 2021 and welcomes individuals living with memory loss and a family member. There is no cost or evaluation needed and the Café offers families mutual support, and sharing of resources while enjoying structured activities, group discussions, and learning strategies for maintaining quality of life and overall well-being as a family. Activities are varied, and the Café is designed to help break the stigma that a diagnosis of dementia can bring, and to make connections and enjoy the company of other families.
Shifting the paradigm on how we understand dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders from a scary and negative history of the word “dementia,” to believing that people are LIVING with dementia and not “suffering”, and they deserve a life of quality, and continue to share joyful experiences with their family and friends.
Facilitated by Vicky Pitner, a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Coordinator of the Memory Ministry, and with the support of wonderful, dedicated, and trained volunteers, the Café members develop a close bond and look forward to seeing their friends on Monday mornings.
The Memory Ministry also offers family and friends trainings, coaching, and education on neurocognitive disorders.
If you would like more information about the Café, support, practical care giving strategies or information on other services of the Memory Ministry, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@firstumc.org.