Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Miller.
Hi Kristen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been working with older adults for over 16 years and over the years have acquired a passion for helping those living with dementia. I heard about the Memory Cafe concept – developed in The Netherlands in the late 1990s by Dr. Bere Miesen- and thought it was something that could benefit people here in Memphis. I spent a year trying to get other people to start one, but was met with a lot of resistance so I started one on my own with the intention that it could have a mobile platform in order better meet people where they are. Eight months later we founded Memory Makers of the Midsouth, a 501c3 nonprofit to manage and grow our Memory Cafes in this region; right now we have nine Memory Cafes that each meet monthly in the greater Memphis area.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The nonprofit road is definitely not a smooth one. It’s been a constant uphill climb to make people aware of what a Memory Cafe is and how it can help those living with dementia and their caregivers, to form partnerships with our host locations, to get funding for our program, and to develop solid foundational policies and procedures. The board of directors and I are feeling our way through and meeting challenges one at a time; it’s a blessing to have a great group of people who see the vision and understand the mission and its importance to our community.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Memory Makers of the Midsouth is a nonprofit that serves individuals living with dementia and their caregivers through our free program called The Memory Cafe. Worldwide, memory cafes are part of a grassroots effort to reduce stigma and promote inclusion of people with dementia and we are a part of that effort. Our program is unique in that instead of just offering one Memory Cafe to serve the entire area, we bring the Memory Cafes right to where our participants live so that they are able to access a free resource right in their neighborhood. We utilize neighborhood assets like libraries, community centers, and churches and incorporate a program of Montessori-based activities that enable our participants to feel successful. It’s a wonderful way for both those living with dementia and their caregivers to enjoy being together in a fun and safe environment where everyone else understands their struggles. Additionally, Memory Makers connects caregivers to local resources, provides community education about dementia and brain health, and provides an online caregiver support group.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Pre-Covid, those of us working in geriatrics were already aware of the devastating effects social isolation has on older adults; in fact, research has shown that social isolation is as bad for one’s health as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day AND binge drinking. During the pandemic, that awareness was brought to the forefront, and it opened up tons of conversations about the importance of good social networks and about how being socially isolated dramatically increases a person’s risk for developing dementia. Since the pandemic, many more opportunities for older adults to engage socially have become widely available and Memory Makers is proud to be a provider for some of those opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.memorymakersmidsouth.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095249851970
Image Credits
Headshot by Linda White Photography
