High Country Caregivers “Play Me a Memory” early memory loss (EML) program began with seed grants from The Brookdale Foundation. Our program follows the Brookdale model for EML.
Program Goals
- To offer opportunities for persons with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia to engage in a program of meaningful social and recreational activities in a secure and supportive setting to maximize their cognitive and social abilities.
- To provide respite, relief, and support to family members and other primary caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.
Early Memory Loss
At present, there is a gap in supportive services available for people recently diagnosed with EML. This engaging educational service model allows adults to be productive, involved members of the community and participate in programming that enhances independence. This EML program also provides the opportunity to learn practical skills in a non-threatening group setting with peers.
Memory enhancement and compensatory skill building are central elements in this consumer-directed social and educational program. Other components of this program are group problem-solving, socialization, peer support, exercise, and camaraderie. This model has been replicated around the country in response to the growing population of people seeking both earlier diagnosis and resources to meet their unique needs.
We partner with Amorem, Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living, and Watauga County Project on Aging to provide space and place for our groups to meet, group respite for caregivers, and valuable resources for both participants and caregivers.
Anyone dealing with an illness affecting their cognitive ability is welcome to attend. For more information, please contact jacob@highcountrycaregivers.org or call the HCC office at 828-832-6366.