A Season to Remember Elephants may never forget, but people with Alzheimer’s Disease
and memory impairment struggle with this. Some upcoming events in the Golden Isles
this fall make it the perfect season for us to show our loved ones and community members dealing with these issues that we remember them and support them.
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n September, the Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation will again be hosting the Golden Isles Alzheimer’s Walk on St. Simons Island, but that’s not the only local event that supports Alzheimer’s and memory care organizations. In October, Thrive at Frederica will host their Fore The Memories Golf Classic at Sea Palms Resort to benefit Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation,
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ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING
and Marsh’s Edge is bringing back Cars for a Cause benefiting the national organization Alzheimer’s Association. We’re taking a closer look at these organizations and events to spread the word about support for Alzheimer’s and memory care in the Golden Isles community. Memory Matters Glynn began in 1994 as Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick. In 2016, they expanded their mission to include all forms of adult onset memory impairment and renamed the organization Memory Matters. Their purpose is to educate, support and enrich the lives of those dealing with illness related memory loss, their families and their caregivers. They are located in a home at 2803 Sherwood Drive in Brunswick and their caring and compassionate staff hosts events at the house that are designed to stimulate brain function, hand eye coordination, focus, decision making and memory. Their events
and planned activities also encourage social interaction, which is extremely important. People with memory loss can feel comfortable in a setting where they know they are not alone in their struggles with memory issues. They do not have to feel embarrassed or self conscious. Monthly activities include yoga, arts and crafts, game time, and special themed events, complete with a photo booth with instant photos for keepsakes that the members love! Memory Matters also has support groups for caregivers called Caregiver Connections. These group meetings provide caregivers with a chance to talk about what is happening with their loved one with people who understand how they feel. Here, they can ask questions of those who may have gone through the same things. Caregiver Connections meetings are held at Memory Matters in Brunswick on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m., on St. Simons Island at North Island Church on the third Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m, and on Jekyll Island at Jekyll Island Methodist Church on the third Thursday of the month at 11:00 a.m. Participants are welcome at all locations.