Dementia Care at The Mill
Dementia affects at least one in ten adults age 65 and older. Husbands and wives are caring for each other; adult children are caring for parents; young adults are caring for grandparents; and siblings are caring for siblings.
Dementia Care is an effort to educate, encourage, equip, and empower people living with dementia and their caregivers.
How does Church at The Mill accomplish this?
Church at The Mill strives to support and encourage those who are affected by dementia by:
- Maintaining a dementia-friendly Christian atmosphere.
- Being an advocate for those affected with dementia.
- Remaining intentional in determining accommodations and individual plans.
- Sharing a culture of ministry with people living with dementia.
- Providing an ongoing support system through dementia connection teams.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning that affects a person's ability to live independently. It’s not always a specific disease, but is classified by a group of symptoms, often caused by conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia can impact behavior, emotions, and relationships, and it typically worsens over time. Understanding dementia is the first step in supporting those who are affected. To explore causes, symptoms, and care options, visit Alzheimer's Association or Dementia Society of America.
Get Involved
Memory Cafe
Our Memory Cafe events are comfortable social gatherings that allow those experiencing memory loss to connect, socialize and encourage one another. Caregivers are welcome. Memory Cafe takes place each second Saturday of the month from 10:00-11:30 AM in the Goodtree Café at Central Campus.
Dementia Caregivers Group
Our Caregivers Group is a monthly gathering created to embrace the caregivers of loved ones navigating dementia and provide them with support and resources to navigate caring well for their loved ones. We have a time of prayer, a devotion and fellowship. We also strive to provide resources each time, and there is an opportunity to discuss different topics of concern. We would love to have you join us the first Thursday of each month from 4:00-5:30 PM in the Chapel at Central Campus.
Occasionally, these regular events may be rescheduled due to calendar conflicts or holidays. Stay updated on these events by checking out our church calendar.
Dementia Connect Team
Connect Teams serve and support caregivers of those affected by dementia. Join us as we seek to build a Christ-centered support system for those affected by dementia. Each Connect Team is up of six people, with each volunteer serving approximately two hours each month, for a total of 12 hours of care per month for each family. As we build teams, our volunteers will spend time with families to connect first before committing to serve them.
Care and support responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Sitting with a person living with dementia to give the caregiver a break.
- Running simple errands like picking up prescriptions or groceries.
- Taking the person with dementia for a relaxing ride or outing.
- Carrying out other acts of service to help lighten the caregivers’ loads.
Are you interested in being a part of this ministry? Let us know by filling out the form below!