Socialization and Support
Socialization and Support
for Caregivers and Persons with Dementia:
Memory Cafes
Memory Cafes are welcoming locations in the community where people with mild cognitive issues, Alzheimer’s or other dementias meet with their caregivers. The idea of Memory Cafes started in Scotland and quickly came to the US as a wonderful way to be able to connect with others and enjoy activity, conversation and community. Each Memory Cafe is unique with some providing activities or themes, some for mainly social interaction and some cover various educational topics. All are free to attend.
FamilyMeans
FamilyMeans hosts several local Memory Cafes in community locations in Washington County. Please contact Heidi Ricks, the Dementia Program Coordinator, for information: hricks@familymeans.org or 651-789-4017.
Support Groups
FamilyMeans, Caregiving & Aging
FamilyMeans, Caregiving & Aging provides both virtual and in-person support group options for several days and times per month to fit many schedules. Find out more
FamilyMeans Caregiving Support Groups:
Find out about our many support groups to fit your schedule. We offer both virtual and in-person groups facilitated by a FamilyMeans social worker.
FamilyMeans One-to-One Caregiver Coaching and Consultations & Family Meetings:
FamilyMeans Caregiving & Aging social worker to provide assistance and counseling for your unique situation being a caregiver. Discuss decision making, communication, planning and challenges. We are here for you. Packages and sliding scale fees available.
FamilyMeans Dementia Empowerment Services:
For those experiencing early-stage dementia, facilitated by our Dementia Program Coordinator. Sliding scale fees available. Please contact Heidi Ricks about any of the Dementia Empowerment programs by email hricks@familymeans.org or 651-789-4017.
Journey Together Social/Support Group for early-stage dementia:
Find out more about this unique support group for persons experiencing early-stage dementia and memory loss. We connect socially and support each other as we go on this new journey with memory loss.
One-to One Dementia Consultations:
Find information about our unique opportunity for a person experiencing a new dementia diagnosis or early-stage dementia to have one-to-one conversations with our Dementia Program Coordinator to create goals with our person-centered assessment, talk about support systems, issues, acceptance and resources that fit your unique needs.
Watch these short videos for helpful infromation
Giving Voice
Senior Centers
Senior centers are one of the most important resources for the seniors in our community. These centers provide access to multiple resources to enable seniors to stay active and independent, and promote healthy aging. They help older adults to connect with peers and their community. Though the Woodbury Senior Center is closed until further notice, Community Thread does have two senior centers, one in Stillwater and one in Bayport.
Washington County Library
The Washington County Library has “Memory Minder” kits, designed for people with dementia and their caregivers. You can check out a kit for up to 6 weeks. The kits are meant to spark engagement for people at different stages of dementia, and there are 39 different kits available. The link above has more details about the program.
Silver Sneakers
Regular activity and exercise are good for slowing the progress of dementia. Silver Sneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ and is included with many Medicare Plans. You can learn more about the program at Silver Sneakers.
YMCA
The YMCA in Woodbury provides opportunities to participate in fitness classes, connect socially with other elders and play several different board games. This provides seniors several opportunities to engage with others in the community, and stay active, both physically and mentally. Their schedule can be found at their website.
FamilyMeans has artificial pets
FamilyMeans has artificial pets that they can loan and deliver to a person with dementia. These are designed to provide comfort and focus for the person with dementia. These are wonderful, especially if the person has had a pet in the past or has a love of animals. Dogs and cats available. Contact Jenny West by email at jwest@familymeans.org or call 651-789-4015.