Journaling and a Dementia Journey
Providing support for someone living with memory loss, and a decline in judgment and self-help skills can be overwhelming. By learning...
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 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.
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
Communicating Effectively with Persons with Dementia
Caregiving for an individual with cognitive challenges has its difficulties. The brain’s ability to process and respond to information...
Dementia Support and Staying Positive During Difficult Times
We are living in a time where scary and terrible things are happening in our world due to natural disasters and political and social...
Contact Our Leader
Vicky Pitner
Memory Ministry Coordinator