Kingsport churches launch Memory Cafe for dementia support

A new community program aimed at supporting people living with memory loss and their caregivers has launched in Kingsport. Beloved Community: Memory Cafe held its first meeting Jan. 22 at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. The program is an ecumenical partnership among First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and St. Dominic Catholic Church. The idea for the Memory Cafe developed over several years, according to Joy Eastridge, pastor of Congregational Connection at First Broad Street and one of the program's organizers. Eastridge said Faith Community Nurses from the three churches, including Delores Bertuso, Carol Garland and Eastridge, saw a growing need for support among older adults experiencing dementia and other memory-related conditions. "We have really noticed the impact of memory loss in our older adults," Eastridge said. "And there was a need to address not only the people experiencing those changes, but also their caregivers." Beloved Community is designed as a welcoming, low-key gathering space with activities including music, prayer, Bible study, movement, games and educational presentations. Garland, a Faith Community Nurse who coordinates music for the program, said the partnership between churches allows the group to better serve the community. The group meets every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon on the third floor of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, located at 100 E. Church Circle. Eastridge said upcoming meetings will include occasional guest speakers and informational presentations, including one on the Kingsport Carousel. According to organizers, there are no similar memory cafe programs within a 100-mile radius of Kingsport. "This is a place where the church can help build community," Bertuso said. Eastridge said the program was inspired in part by a book written by United Methodist Bishop Kenneth Carter, whose spouse died from Alzheimer's disease. The book emphasizes the inherent value of people living with dementia. "One of the messages we want to communicate is that people are valuable regardless of their memory or ability to function," Eastridge said. The program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required, and space is limited. Caregivers must attend with their loved ones, Eastridge said, noting that the Memory Cafe is not a drop-off program. "This is equally about supporting caregivers," Eastridge said. "They need community, too." The program is led by Betsy Cooper, a Kingsport city alderwoman and retired teacher who coordinates the weekly gatherings. "Our volunteers work together to plan the gatherings, greet participants, listen, and make sure everyone feels comfortable," Cooper said. "I want it to feel relaxed and safe — a place where people can just be themselves." Cooper said memory loss can be isolating, something she experienced firsthand while caring for her mother, who lived with dementia. "Having a place like the Beloved Community Memory Cafe gives both individuals and caregivers a space where they feel understood, supported and accepted." According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly 10% of U.S. adults age 65 and older live with dementia, with many more experiencing mild cognitive impairment. Eastridge said about seven to eight people with memory loss and their caregivers are currently registered for the program, which is supported by approximately 20 volunteers. Eastridge said the program can serve about 30 participants at one time. "This program is directed toward not just the person with memory loss, but also to their caregivers, because they need support too," Eastridge said. "I hope that a year from now we'll have a community that people look forward to coming to and being together on Thursday mornings." The group is open to the general community, but sign-up is required. When the program is full, a wait list will be created. To reserve a place in the program, contact Joy Eastridge at jeastridge@fbsumc.org.