Presenting sponsor Central National Bank and Meadowlark Memory Program collaborated again this year with Rockin K’s for a day of amazing food, drink, conversation, and music. Rockin K’s will donate 10% of the day’s sales to support the program. On Friday, June 9, people from the community learned about dementia and how the Meadowlark Memory Program supports those diagnosed and their care partners (including spouses, children, siblings, and friends).

Meadowlark Memory Program partners with the Beach Museum of Art, Manhattan Senior Center, and Wamego United Methodist Church to provide classes, engagement opportunities, and care partner support groups free of charge to anyone in the region. Additionally, the majority of experiences occur in a hybrid format, which allows individuals who aren’t able to attend in person to join from home. Class and meeting attendance has dramatically increased in 2023 to where meeting rooms are not large enough, allowing us to be creative in finding other options on campus.

One of the best things about class and meeting attendance increasing is that people, both on and off the Meadowlark campus, are recognizing that socialization, support, exercise, and education are invaluable in the journey of living with dementia. With this realization, people are seeking out the Memory Program’s free opportunities. More people are breaking down the stigma of dementia being something to be ashamed of and/or “There’s nothing one can do about it.”

Participants in the program frequently comment that they feel more knowledgeable about how to maximize their skills, empowered to live a more brain healthy lifestyle, and more confident to engage with others and try new things. People attending the Care Partner Support Group also note how they learn from each other and feel less alone because of the welcoming attendees and techniques/strategies to improve communication and engagement with their loved one with dementia.

The sponsorships from Central National Bank, Standard Beverage Co., and donations from Rockin K’s, Meadowlark residents and program participants, and attendees at Fiesta to Remember enable the Memory Program to continue to add programming opportunities, resources to the Lending Library, and other educational resources to those affected by dementia in the Flint Hills region.

If you or someone you know is noticing changes in memory, becoming less social, having more difficulties completing activities of daily living efficiently (i.e. preparing meals, following directions), or hearing loss, please reach out to Michelle or Katie with Meadowlark Memory Program at (785) 323-3899 or via email mhaub@meadowlark.org and ksigman@meadowlark.org for information about a free consultation.