Welcoming families navigating Alzheimer's and other dementias

From the Director

At this time last year, a group of community members gathered at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church and said, "YES, let's do this!" All of our research indicated a real need for a social-recreational respite day program for people living with dementia in the Dunwoody area. We also heard enthusiasm for supporting a program with direct volunteer hours, funding, in-kind donations, consultative services, and good ol' sweat equity.

All of our initial dreams have come true as we are now welcoming an incredible group of participants and volunteers on Mondays and Thursdays for a joyful time together. Our gathering space is filled with games, music, learning, stories, and so much laughter. Keep reading to learn more about how we're using storytelling techniques to spark creativity and cultivate community.

Our sights are already set on the next phase of growth as we seek to fundraise at the upcoming Oktoberfest and train more volunteers. More details on those efforts are below.

First, though, I want to spotlight the major contributions our Rotary collaborators have made in launching Anchor Place. Rotary of Dunwoody members Charlie Augello, Louise Barden, and Rev. Dick Game had long hoped for a respite program in Dunwoody. They were at that table saying "YES" last year and have brought much Rotary support to Anchor Place ever since.

Mary

Mary M. Cohen, MPH, D.HCML

Director

Anchor Place was thrilled to help our friends at Dunwoody Rotary create their beautiful 4th of July Parade Float entry. We filled over 30 goody bags for parade walkers to hand out to children and constructed part of the float.

Mark your calendars! St Patrick's will be hosting a fun, family-friendly Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 28, 2024. This community-wide event will be a major fundraiser for Anchor Place and other St. Pat's ministries.

Sponsors and other contributors are greatly needed and appreciated. If you or anyone you know would be interested in a sponsorship opportunity or can help out in another way, please contact the event coordinator Denice Dudley at denicedudley@gmail.com .

To learn more about the event and help spread the word, please visit dunwoodyoktoberfest.com .

We like to say at Anchor Place we seek to get to know our friends' stories, not their symptoms. Recently, volunteer extraordinaire Sharon McWhorter, retired public school educator and life-long learner, became a certified TimeSlips facilitator, bringing this innovative technique to our community of care.

Pioneered by Anne Basting, PhD, the TimeSlips "approach fosters storytelling and active listening, allowing elders to freely share ideas and stories without worrying about getting the details 'correct.' Research has shown that these practices stimulate the brain and awaken the imagination to add wonder and awe to people's daily lives—and provide them a means of connection, both with the world and with those caring for them."

Using an engaging photograph as a springboard, Sharon leads participants in creating an original group story. Individuals have contributed such clever, touching, and sometimes downright hilarious components of the collective stories. It is definitely one of our favorite activities.

We are so grateful to Sharon for pursuing this certification and sharing it with our community!

Volunteer Training - Tuesday, July 30!

Are you interested in making a real difference for your neighbors whose lives are touched by dementia and social isolation? Do you want to give back, build community, and enrich your life?

You can be a friend and change-maker by volunteering your time and talents at Anchor Place. Our next volunteer training is Tuesday, July 30th 10:00am-12noon at Anchor Place. More information about volunteering can be found on our website or email Mary Cohen with questions.

Click here to register.

Can't make this training? Email Mary Cohen to be notified early when the next trainings are scheduled.

The Anchor Point

Taking care of your hearing can have a big impact on reducing risk of cognitive decline.

A recent large study by the NIH showed people with a higher risk of developing dementia had an almost 50% reduction in the rate of decline by wearing hearing aids. Study participants using hearing aides also reported improved communication abilities, which can lead to better social engagement and overall health.

Source: National Institutes of Health

WE'RE OPEN!

Day Respite Program

Monday & Thursday

10:00am - 2:00pm

4755 N. Peachtree Rd.

Dunwoody, GA 30338

770-455-6523

www.anchorplace.net