Arnold School of Public Health
University of South Carolina
Call (843) 842-6688
to schedule your free Memory Screening
Memory Matters New Home
Memory Matters is a one-of-a-kind organization. It is our vision to serve those afflicted with any type of dementia AND their families with comprehensive services. All of our programs and services adhere to the strictest standards of confidentiality. Our mission is to be a center of excellence in dementia care and to provide all of our services with dignity and compassion.
The social day program offers a safe, confidential, failure-free zone for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. A variety of fun activities are designed to stimulate socialization, laughter, and fond remembrances while the caregiver has a chance to recharge their batteries. Our programming is exciting and definitely 21st century. We use cutting-edge technology and software with over 4,000 programs to develop daily activities. For example, we may visit Rome or Paris in real time through Google Earth. We can even zero in on a childhood home or a grandchild’s house thousands of miles away. This program also offers games like the Price is Right and Family Feud, karaoke, and trivia. We can even build individual story books for each client that includes biographical information and family photos. Music and art are key elements of our program. These therapies allow clients to express themselves through creative and alternative methods of communication. We also offer yoga, gardening, pet therapy and so much more. There is never a boring day in the "club!"
None of the ‘Club Members’ are ever left alone or excluded. They are welcomed at the door with hugs and handshakes. Program Directors know the specific needs of each participant and the current challenges that each family faces. A change in medicine or a restless night’s sleep can trigger anxiety, fear, and confusion, and when that happens, Memory Matters is prepared to care for that individual on a one-to-one basis. Each individual is cared for throughout the day with dignity and respect as they focus on their abilities (not disabilities) and successes (not failures).
The caregiver and families have one-on-one counseling available, and all discussions are kept confidential. Many families simply can’t handle the situation at home any longer and need to explore options for assistance. Memory Matters offers guidance, support, and resources for families to ensure a continuum of care. Caregivers are encouraged to join support groups to talk with others who are experiencing the same life-changing roles. When your world is changing and you don’t know what’s best, Memory Matters helps navigate these rough waters.
We offer several support groups. Our general support group offers great tools and resources for the "caregiver toolbox" as well as opportunity to connect with others who are walking the same journey. We also offer a group specifically for men called "Jocks" because men who care for females have explained that they are not comfortable discussing issues such as hygiene and intimacy in a mixed gender group. We also offer a group for caregivers of those with Early Onset Alzheimer’s because the afflicted are generally much younger, and may have lost a job due to this disease, so financial issues and other considerations are factors. Memory Matters also offers a transition group for Memory Matters caregivers whose loved ones have recently passed away.
Our newest ongoing program is called Connections and is designed for those in the early stages of dementia. Connections empowers participants to take control of their diagnoses, and helps them to avoid the pitfalls of being defined by the diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s or Mild Cognitive Impairment. It’s a proactive program that encourages cognitive stimulation using cutting edge technology designed to improve visual, language, memory and spatial skills. The program also incorporates yoga and meditation to help promote a sense of well-being. Depression can interfere with memory, and socialization is one of the most important components to help keep it at bay. Connections offers opportunity to meet others who are experiencing similar feelings and who want to achieve similar goals.
It is our mission to be a resource to the community as well. Memory Matters offers an extraordinary 10-week class on how to maintain a healthy brain called Brain Boosters. With up to 500 trillion synaptic connections, your brain is easily the most powerful machine in the world. These connections are what create your thoughts, what drive your emotions, and what controls your behavior. Your brain is constantly changing through a process known as brain plasticity. And you can take advantage of this process to improve and enhance your brain's jaw-dropping powers-at ANY age. While it was traditionally thought that our brains were fully formed by adulthood, the truth is that our life experiences continually shape and mold our brains in fascinating ways. With every new problem you solve and every new insight you learn, you can strengthen a range of functions involved in your brain's fitness. We understand the power of life-long learning and how crucial it is to take care of ourselves in body, mind and spirit.
If you or someone you love is experiencing signs of dementia, don’t wait to get help. Too often families wait to search for resources until they are in crisis. Denial is a barrier that typically prevents families from reaching out sooner. What we hear all too often are comments like: "He/she is not that bad"…"I could never take him/her to an Alzheimer’s program"…"He/she would never go there." Nine times out of 10 we CAN help.
WORRIED ABOUT YOUR MEMORY?
Early Warning Signs:
Memory loss
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Forgetting simple words
Getting lost in time and place
Poor judgment
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Rapid mood changes
Dramatic changes in personality
Loss of initiative or interest in one's usual pursuits
If you have several of these symptoms, discuss them with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment is important.
Memory Matters is a proud member of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Memory Matters is committed to excellence
Our organization was founded in 1997. We certainly have come a long way. Let's hit the rewind button to give you a couple of highlights.
In 2004 we were recognized by the State of South Carolina as an Angel Charity for both exceptional service and fiscal responsibility.
In 2008 we successfully completed a capital campaign to purchase and renovate a permanent home for our organization ---despite the economic meltdown.
In 2009 we were honored as the Organization of the Year by the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce.
In 2012 we were honored to receive the Erin Hardwick Award for Excellence in Non Profit Management from the South Carolina Association of Non Profit Organizations.
In 2014 we were honored to be named the 2013 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year.
