MemoryWorks

MemoryWorks - a New Resource for Dementia Care in Maine - Awareness. Activities. Events. Our mission is to increase awareness of dementia related illnesses and decrease stigma about dementia; to support the existing dementia care community in a variety of ways; to create events and activities that involve and encourage those who are connected to dementia as consumers, caregivers and provides to stay socially engaged and intellectually challenged. MemoryWorks was started as Maine's Memory Caf?s in late December 2012 by two individuals with dementia related diagnoses to fill a void of social activities for people connected to the dementia community. Other opportunities and needs became apparent, and the need to expand became clear. Now, the rush is on to develop services ahead of the boom that has begun of elderly people facing dementia related illnesses. From programs and events, to Advisory Boards, to fun-raising, all options are on the table to find and implement ways to support the Dementia Care Community.

http://www.meetup.com/MemoryWorks/pages/The_Goals_and_Missions_of_MemoryWorks/ Maine's Memory Caf?s Currently there are two locations for Memory Caf?s. Biddeford and Portland. The goal is to have 5 locations by the end of 2013, but that depends on volunteer resources. We are targeting Kennebunk, Kittery and Bangor. A Memory Caf? is a social gathering of clients, family, caregivers and professionals over a proverbial cup of coffee for stigma free conversations about whatever comes up. We have had conversations about using theater as an awareness tool for dementia; about how some people have dealt with loss of the use of their car; about symptoms of Alzheimers; videos; and much more. MemoryWorks Library As books about dementia are donated to us, we will make them available through our Caf?s. Maine Statewide Memories Marathon Later in 2013, we will begin planning for a statewide network of marathons to connect everyone in the Dementia Care Community. Centralized Calendar and Referral Resource for the Dementia Care Community It's easy to build a simple Internet resource where all providers and agencies can post their own events for all the world to discover. Participants in this service can post and maintain their events and information without having to go through someone else. Other tools available to participants may include blogs, chat rooms, photo galleries, streaming Internet audio, and more to come. National Commemorative Candle Lighting ~ November 15-17 is an annual event sponsored by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to remember and honor Americans who have been or will be affected by Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses. It is held each November in recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. AFA will hold inspirational ceremonies in various communities on the same day, uniting individuals from coast to coast as they light "candles of care." National Memory Screening Day is November 17th. AFA supports year-round Community Memory Screenings programs as part of AFA?s national initiative to promote early detection and intervention for those concerned about memory loss as well as to educate the public about successful aging. Memory Screenings at Major Events Screening booths at large events would be a great way to bring awareness to dementia. Using the list of ten symptoms of Alzheimer's would give people a tool for awareness that might then lead them to seek out professional evaluation. Geriatrics Endowment There are only 20 geriatric specialists in Maine, the eldest state in the Nation. We need to do something to change that! Is it possible to develop an endowment that would provide student loan payoffs to Med Students who agree to enter the Geriatric Specialty, and practice here in Maine for at least five years. Maybe there's another enticement too. We want to find out and implement such a program. Maine Dementia Research Initiatives As we often like to say, dollars raised in Maine need to stay in Maine. That's true for research dollars too. Yes there are dementia research projects right here. Let's keep our philanthropy where it can do the most good - in Maine. We'd like to enhance existing research opportunities and include Maine's precious research sources in leading the way on dementia research programs. Medicare Advantage Plan We are exploring the possibilities of a Medicare Advantage plan that is targeted to the specific needs of dementia patients and families. More on this as the adventure unfolds. "Donate Local" Campaign We believe that money from Maine donors should benefit Mainers first and foremost. It is hoped that "Donate Local" will catch on throughout the philanthropic community. RememberMe A tool(s) for raising funds. Can be licensed to individuals once it is implemented. 1st Annual Alzheimer's Awareness and Caregiver Appreciation Day at the Ballpark I have arranged for August 11 to be the 1st Annual Alzheimer's Day at the Ballpark, A Sunday afternoon with the Portland Seadogs when patients, family, caregivers and providers can call their own. If your local Agency on Aging, or dementia care facilities, or groups would be interested, there is some opportunity in the ticket pricing for minimal fundraising or outright fun-giving. Seats and Pricing available: General Admission seats are up high. They normally are priced as $8 for adults /$5 for kids and seniors. We get a break on the adult charge as $5ea when you buy 20 G/A tickets. There is no guarantee that G/A seats will be together, but the Seadogs will try to mark them off. Reserved seats are mid-level; sit together. Normal pricing $9 for adults /$8 for kids and seniors. Discount price is $7ea when you buy 20 Reserved tickets.