By Jill Horner, Executive Director of Memory Matters
Memory Matters staff, Lowcountry Outreach Staff and volunteers celebrate the opening of the Beaufort location at Lowcountry Outreach. (L-R Michelle Frink – MM Program Director – Lisa Daly, Lowcountry Outreach Director, Gabby Wurmlinger – MM Program Specialist, Diane Naus, Volunteer & Brenda Hyleman, volunteer)
When a loved one begins experiencing memory loss, families often don’t know where to turn. Questions arise, routines change, and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed trying to balance the needs of their loved one with the demands of daily life.
That’s where Memory Matters can help.
For more than 25 years, Memory Matters has provided education, support, and evidence-based programs for individuals living with memory loss and their care partners throughout the Lowcountry. While many people know us from our Hilton Head Island location, fewer realize that we also serve families right here in Beaufort, with a full suite of programs designed to meet families wherever they are in their journey.
Our Compass Adult Social Day Program and Caregiver Respite Program, offered in partnership with Lowcountry Outreach at 80 Lady’s Island Drive, supports individuals in the early to middle stages of dementia through therapeutic and engaging activities designed to promote cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. Every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., participants enjoy brain games, music and art therapy, animal therapy, gentle movement, facilitated social interaction, and a healthy lunch.
Care is supported by a Certified Nursing Assistant who assists with personal care, safety, and daily needs.
Beyond the activities, the program offers something equally important: connection. Participants build friendships, remain engaged in their community, and focus on their strengths and abilities in a welcoming and supportive environment. At the same time, family caregivers receive valuable respite, an opportunity to attend appointments, run errands, work, or simply take a much-needed break.
For caregivers seeking their own support, Memory Matters also offers a Caregiver Support Group on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the same Lowcountry Outreach location. No appointment is necessary. It is a welcoming space for those caring for a loved one with dementia, a place to share, learn, and find community with others who understand.
Families can also access Free Memory Screenings using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), available by appointment. These baseline cognitive screenings provide peace of mind and, when needed, serve as an important first step toward connecting with the right care.
For those who want to build their caregiving skills and confidence, Savvy Caregiver, a nationally recognized, evidence-based training program, offers practical tools for dementia care, strategies to reduce stress and burnout, and skills caregivers can put to use right away. Memory Matters is the only certified Savvy Caregiver provider in South Carolina. Local classes are offered periodically; visit the website for the next offering.
And for community members who simply want to be proactive with their own brain health, Brain Boosters™ is a fun, science-based three-week course focused on improving short-term memory, boosting attention and mental clarity, and building daily habits that help the brain thrive. Local classes are also offered periodically.
Many families wait too long before seeking support. They assume they should manage on their own, or believe their loved one is “not ready” for a program. In reality, early engagement often leads to greater confidence, increased social connection, and a higher quality of life for both the participant and the caregiver.
If you have a family member experiencing memory loss, or if you are a caregiver looking for community, training, or a moment to breathe, there is no better time to learn about the resources available right here in Beaufort.
Memory Matters is here, and we are ready to help.
MEMORY MATTERS PROGRAMS IN BEAUFORT
COMPASS Adult Social Day Program & Caregiver Respite
Lowcountry Outreach | 80 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort Every Wednesday | 10:30 a.m. – 2:00
p.m. | Lunch Included | registration required
Caregiver Support Group
2nd Wednesday of each month | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | No appointment necessary
Free Memory Screenings (MoCA)
By appointment | Schedule online at mymemorymatters.org
Savvy Caregiver Training
Evidence-based caregiver education | Check website for next local offering
Brain Boosters™
Science-based brain health course | Check website for next local offering
To learn more or schedule a conversation, contact Memory Matters at 843-842-6688 or visit mymemorymatters.org.
You do not have to navigate memory loss alone. Memory Matters is here for you and your family.
