Memory Ministry by Vicky Pitner

In late 2018, a vision began to come to life. Pastor David McEntire wanted to create a ministry that would serve and support adults in our congregation, the community who are living with memory loss, and their families through a spiritual and emotional connection. This ministry would meet the individual needs of the person, and provide respite opportunities as well as education and awareness trainings for the families and friends. Pastor David knew the importance of inclusion of these families to help with the overwhelming range of emotions a diagnoses of dementia can bring: fear, shame, anger, frustration and sadness. In early 2019, the vision came to fruition. Because of the support and commitment of the staff, pastors and volunteers, “Connections” opened its doors and began connecting friends, family and faith. Today, our Memory Ministry continues to expand services and support to our families. Our collaboration with Florida Southern College Exercise Science department has provided the exercise sessions focusing on balance, strength and flexibility from our beginnings. The intergenerational programming has been a win-win partnership. During the pandemic in 2020, the on-site Connections program evolved into weekly Zoom sessions with the families. The volunteers continued with their commitment and although it was not the perfect solution to staying connected, a virtual group did the job. We were able to do some on-site drum circles and widen our support to include assisting families with resources and specialized trainings. Facing the stigma of a dementia diagnoses is difficult for the individual and the family. Myths and misconceptions of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, as well as ineffective interventions in the past to “manage” the challenges and changes dementia can cause in someone, people most often view the person as “suffering from dementia.” Our Memory Ministry is dedicated to dispelling that assumption and see the person as “living with dementia, with a purpose.” By utilizing a holistic and person-centered approach to wellness, our Memory Ministry’s mission improves the quality of life for the whole family through meeting the spiritual, social, physical, expressive, and cognitive needs. Below are responses to a survey from families who support the needs and success of the ministry:

How has our Memory Ministry been helpful to your family?

• “By meeting us where we are in the dementia and caregiving journey, whatever form that may take.” • “Caregiver trainings and workshops helps us feel less alone in our caregiving.” • “The coaching and problem solving sessions gives us insight for us to evaluate our family members care.” • “The Zoom program was an excellent program!

Much work on the part of the facilitators and much benefit from the participants. Great social contact with of group of fun and supportive people.” • “Overall, the Memory Ministry has been a blessing for my loved one as well as our family.” • “The coaching Vicky provided was invaluable in helping us frame the experience for ourselves when we needed a transition to a permanent placement for our family member.” • “The Connections Zoom program provided my family member with the only social life outside of us during the pandemic. Monday mornings became a touchstone for her, and often us, to the outside world.”

How has our Memory Ministry helped your family member?

• “The best thing about being a part of the Memory

Ministry is that it keeps my loved one social, interested and active.” • “My family member really enjoys the socialization and the cognitive and physical activities. It gave her something to look forward to.” • “The pleasure of seeing my loved one happy and social.” • “Drum circles were educational as well as fun!” • “My dad talks about the program at home. He just seems happier.” • “My mom is talking more at home, and even told one of her friends back in North Carolina she finally had made friends.

Comments from participants about Connections:

• “People ask me what we do here. And I tell them, we have fun!” • “The leadership here is wonderful. You put a lot of thought and planning to everyday we are here.” • “Do you know what I like about being here? The people.” • “I have a lot of friends now. I moved here and I did not have any friends. Just my son and daughter-inlaw. Now I have a bunch.” • “What do I like here? Every day is different. This is a very nice church.” The Memory Ministry offers education, support, resources, coaching, caregiver trainings and spiritual guidance. Vicky Pitner, CTRS, CDP, the coordinator of Connections and the Memory Ministry is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who offers assistance with families in planning meaningful activities and addressing safety issues in the home, as well as tips on creating cooperation with activities of daily living. She writes a weekly article for Caregivers Corner in the weekly E-Connections. For more information on the Memory Ministry or how to subscribe to receive the weekly newsletter, contact Vicky Pitner: vpitner@fumc.org.