The Memory Connection: Supporting Caregivers and Families Living with Dementia

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Alzheimer’s Speaks host, Lori La Bey, talks with:

Mary Anne Roberto is the Founder of Elder Well Adult Day and Co-Founder of Always Home Connected and The Memory Connection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals living with dementia and their caregivers through education, engagement, and respite programs. She’s also a Certified Dementia Care Specialist and lifelong advocate for caregiver wellness and community support.

Debbie Axel is the Co-Founder of The Memory Connection and Always Home Connected. she is also an Entertainment Attorney whose personal experience as a dementia caregiver inspired her to expand access to resources and respite opportunities for families in need.

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Learn What Each Of These Organizations Has To Offer:

Elder Well Adult Day

The Memory Connection

Always Home Connected

Adult Day Programs: Benefits and Challenges

Mary Anne and Lori discussed the importance of adult day programs, highlighting their value in keeping individuals with diagnoses at home and reducing hospital visits. They noted that these programs are often misunderstood due to stigma associated with the term “daycare,” and Mary Anne shared how her center, now branded as a Senior Enrichment Center, has overcome such perceptions. Lori praised the center’s comfortable and welcoming environment, which she attributed to Mary Anne’s efforts in creating a home-like atmosphere. They also touched on the challenges of establishing such programs, including regulations and space acquisition, and Mary Anne mentioned the center’s positive impact on participants.

Adult Day Center Success Story

Mary Anne discussed the positive reception of her adult day programming center in Santa Monica, emphasizing community support and the importance of providing respite for caregivers. She highlighted the center’s activities, including beauty services and peer interaction, and expressed plans to start support groups. Mary Anne also addressed staffing challenges, noting the current team’s dedication and the center’s appealing work schedule. Lori suggested embedding a tour video of the facility in their communication materials, and Mary Anne agreed to send it over.

ElderWell’s Warm and Nurturing Spaces

Lori, Mary Anne, and Debbie discussed the positive impact of ElderWell, highlighting its warm and nurturing atmosphere, designed to cater to both social and one-on-one needs of its visitors. Mary Anne emphasized the importance of creating spaces for meaningful conversations and reminiscence, while Lori noted the value of listening to and learning from the wisdom of older generations. They also touched on the stigma surrounding such facilities and the need for authentic, heartfelt interactions. The discussion concluded with a brief mention of memory connection, which Mary had initiated as part of her journey with ElderWell.

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Memory Connection: Dementia Care Support

Mary Anne explained the creation of Memory Connection, a non-profit initiative aimed at providing resources and support to families struggling with dementia care, particularly in communities lacking access to necessary services. She highlighted their goal to offer scholarships for attending adult day centers nationwide, emphasizing the importance of providing dignity and support to seniors facing financial challenges. Lori agreed, noting the increasing difficulty families face in affording care and respite services, and praised the efforts of companies like Mary Anne’s to fill these gaps. The discussion also touched on Always Home Connected, though no further details were provided in the transcript.

E-Commerce Activity Box Discussion

Mary Anne explained the purpose of their e-commerce store, which sells activity boxes designed to facilitate conversations between family members, particularly targeting grandparents and grandchildren. She also described their products for senior living communities, which serve as a substitute for activity directors when they are unavailable. Mary Anne highlighted the importance of these products in providing successful activities and conversation starters. Lori expressed interest in the BeautyBus, a non-profit organization that provides free beauty services to people in need, and Mary Anne offered to connect Lori with Ruth for more information.

Supporting the Sandwich Generation

Mary Anne and Lori discussed the recognition of Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day by the City of Santa Monica, highlighting the challenges faced by this demographic. They explored the importance of supporting the sandwich generation and mentioned upcoming initiatives like a puzzle drive and scholarship opportunities. Lori suggested connecting with Haley Richmond, a high school student running two nonprofits, for potential collaboration. They also discussed the possibility of Lori visiting Santa Monica to participate in a memory cafe event.