The Gathering Place

Newsletter Issue 87 October 2019

Mission Statement:: The Gathering Place at Lakewood UMC is a ministry for those who are living with memory loss and the people who love them.

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” – Matthew 25:40

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am

your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold

you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Lakewood United Methodist Church 11330 Louetta Houston, TX 77070 281.370.2273

In partnership with Interfaith CarePartners®

The Gathering Place is a monthly program that offers a safe, loving, spirit led, caring environment for those who are living with memory loss.

The Gathering Place allows caregivers an opportunity to have time to themselves and/or enjoy quality interactions with their loved one by participating in the Gathering Place activities.

Art and Self Expression

Art projects can create a sense of accomplishment and purpose. They can provide the person with memory loss — as well as caregivers — an opportunity for self-expression. Benefits of using art with people with memory loss:

• New way to communicate. Art allows people to connect with others in a different, non-verbal way.

• Improved concentration. Art emphasizes abilities that are still available and can be developed rather than focusing on those that have been lost.

• Better behavior. Art can have a calming effect. It may promote relaxation, improve mood, and de-crease disruptive behavior.

• Closer relationships. Art can bring a caregiver and loved one closer together. When other methods of contact become difficult, art reminds the caregiver that the person with memory loss is still there.

When planning an art activity for someone with middle- to late-stage memory loss, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep the project on an adult level. Avoid anything that might be demeaning or seem child-like.

• Build conversation into the project. Provide encour-agement, discuss what the person is creating or remi-niscence.

• Help the person begin the activity. If the person is painting, you may need to start the brush movement. Most other projects should only require basic instruc-tion and assistance.

• Use safe materials. Avoid toxic substances and sharp tools.

• Allow plenty of time, keeping in mind that the person doesn’t have to finish the project in one sitting.

Want to see what goes on at the Gathering Place? Check out our website

to see great pictures, VIP videos, previous newsletters and more.

Go to: http://lakewoodgathering.org/

Common Ground Caregiver Conversations

Common Ground is a place and time for caregivers like you to meet, talk, share, learn and receive the support needed to take care of yourselves so you can provide the best care possible to a family member or friend. Common Ground is a free caregiver assis-tance program of Interfaith CarePartners

® in

cooperation with partner congregations in greater Houston. Groups are available for caregivers of persons with dementia and caregivers for persons with other diagnoses and conditions. Lakewood will be hosting Common Ground on October 14, 2019 from 10:15-11:30 am in the Parlor. For more information, contact Pam Cline at 281-370-2273 or pam.cline@lumc.org.

10 Tips for Family Caregivers

• Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often.

• Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.

• When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.

• Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.

• There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.

• Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.

• Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing, and pulling. Be good to your back.

• Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.

• Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.

Source: National Family Caregiver's Association