Dementia Education

Integrity – Inclusion – Respect – Dignity

Our Vision

Reminiscent seeks to be well known in Valdosta/Lowndes County and surrounding communities. We believe in and support inclusion, diversity, and equity. Therefore, Reminiscent wants to enhance and advance the knowledge and dialogue concerning dementia. We wish to dismantle myths, illuminate the truths about the disease, and destigmatize those who are living with dementia, and usher uncompromised support for caregivers. In addition, we want people with dementia to feel a part of their community; a community they once fully supported before being stricken with dementia. People living with dementia still have so much to offer, let us not ostracized their very being. What is more, research substantiates that minorities specifically and veterans are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s, Frontotemporal, Lewy Body, Vascular, and Parkinson’s dementias. This is also coupled with low Clinical Trial participation from the minority community. To this end, Congress has bills in both chambers, entitled ENACT. This acronym represents Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials.

Reminiscent offers seven planks that will serve Valdosta/Lowndes County as well as contiguous communities at-large. Ultimately our goal is the ongoing quest of a dementia friendly community via planks.

They are as follows: the Virtual Dementia Tour, Memory Cafes, Reminiscent Therapy, Dementia Education, Caregivers Getaway, Dementia Community presentations, and a Dementia Friendly Community.

Allow extrapolation on each of the seven planks of Reminiscent’s business plan…

The Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT)

VDT is a simulation that allows an individual to experience what it is like to have dementia. This encounter thereby offers a unique perspective to the participant. The objective after the VDT is to have an individual walk away with a profound and different disposition about dementia. Prerequisite: one must complete a dementia education class (community, church, or caregiver) to experience the complimentary VDT.

Memory Cafés

Are social gatherings featuring those with dementia and their caregivers. The get together is a non-regimented setting. It is designed to have optimum social activity without feeling pressured or overwhelmed. The objective is quite simple, let go and have fun in an environment that is conducive to merriment. Often a trivia or crafts person is invited to host the memory café. Certainly, music, sound, or art therapy is readily available for engagement.

Reminiscent Therapy

Is specifically for the caregiver serving someone with dementia. The caregiver may visit Reminiscent to speak with our Christian counselor who will extend empathy, a listening ear, and professional guidance. It is an opportunity for a caregiver to share, cry, laugh, and revitalize ones emotions to continue their caregiving journey. Reminiscent therapy is a safe haven of emotional support through counseling.

Dementia Education

Offers seminars, workshops, caregiving training, community presentations, and community training. Classes are specifically designed for the general community, caregivers, and the church. Class hours/day(s) vary based on the specific dementia class. Each of the classes allows an individual to walk away with a wealth of knowledge about dementia. What is more, all attendees will receive a certificate of completion and a complimentary invitation to the Virtual Dementia Tour. Attendees depart with education, empowerment, and encouragement. One will be equipped with techniques to implement when interacting with someone living with dementia.

Caregivers Getaway

Is a retreat that affords caregivers an occasion to get away and leave their responsibilities behind for the weekend. This small group weekend retreat is deliberately orchestrated for the caregiver. They will experience fun, enchantment, friendship, delicious food, relaxation, rest, and engagement. Moreover, upon returning home, caregivers will be empowered with strategies to help maximize their lifestyle when caring for themselves and their loved one.

Dementia 101

Is an up close and personal examination of dementia. Dr. Tann instructs the class in a dynamic, challenging, and illuminating mannerism that leaves you impacted. You will experience valuable educational information, coping techniques, group interactions, individual reflection, question/answer segment, vignettes, and unforgettable memories of the class. You will receive a certificate of completion, and a complimentary Virtual Dementia Tour experience.

Dementia Friendly Community

The final plank is the colossal project of designing our community, so that it becomes Dementia Friendly. Reminiscent has a strategic plan through Dementia Friendly America to bring this project to fruition. Community advisors who support this cause and its relevance have accepted the challenge. Their leadership and expertise from their professional lens will guide and nurture the project. We will set the gold standard for surrounding counties to replicate our community by also becoming dementia friendly. Georgia’s Former First Lady, Rosalyn Carter said it best as it relates to Alzheimer’s and related dementias. “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been a caregiver, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers. And those who will need caregivers.”