Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Miller.
Hi Susan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2015, I began working for St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) as a facilitator for their Integrative Memory Enhancement Program (IMEP™) at COA’s Ponte Vedra Memory Center located at 1048 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Prior to that, my career had been as a massage therapy instructor. I have been so blessed to first have been a licensed Massage Therapist and absolutely loved that profession! Then I began facilitating IMEP, and fell in love all over again! Facilitating IMEP™ gave me the opportunity to help people with memory loss, dementia, and/or Alzheimer’s disease. The participants of the program are so near and dear to my heart. I am so grateful to have been able to be in a classroom setting and see people with dementia and Alzheimer’s become alive and have a purpose. It is amazing to see folks that were quiet now talkative and having fun! Facilitating IMEP was my focus and work for ten years.
One year ago, I became the manager of the IMEP program, and that has been full of wonderful opportunities and challenges.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As with anything in life, there are always triumphs and challenges. As a manager, I would say one of the early challenges was not being able to interact as often in the classroom with the seniors afflicted with dementia and Alzheimer’s. My role as manager entails more interaction with their caregivers. That is is also very rewarding!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is about helping people find ways to help their loved one with memory loss, dementia, and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Giving the caregiver some peace of mind knowing that their loved one is safe, cared for, and using their brain. We also provide some time for themselves, which is very important for caregivers who can be on duty 24 hours a day.
I think one of the best qualities I can bring is listening, being present and compassionate with the participants and caregivers we serve. I was taught at an early age it is very important to help people. What sets me apart is my care and concern for the person I am with, and my patience with them.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
IMEP™ is COA’s Integrative Memory Enhancement Program, an innovative, research-based classroom program designed to optimize cognitive functioning and slow the progression of memory loss and dementia. The program serves an urgent need for adults facing these challenges.
The comprehensive IMEP™ program supports brain health through integrating mind, body, and brain connections. Activities range from word agility exercises, gentle stretching exercises, humor therapy, chair aerobics, and guided relaxation. Most importantly, camaraderie, laughter, and mutual encouragement are integral parts of every IMEP class.
Benefits to the participants include enhanced cognitive function, better self esteem, increased verbal fluency, and greater interaction with family and friends. The program also provides support and respite for caregivers.
I see people coming to the program unhappy and unsure of themselves, and then they start coming for a couple of weeks and I see the change – they grow more happy and confident – and, most importantly, they have a purpose!
Doctors also recognize the benefits of IMEP™ and recommend the program to their patients. Dr. Melanie Chandler, Ph.D., of the Mayo Clinic, Division of Psychology, had this to say about IMEP™:
“The IMEP program is a valuable resource for our MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and dementia community. Their approach to engaging individuals in physical and cognitive exercises in a social environment aligns well with what we know helps older individuals with memory loss. I hear many positive things about IMEP from my patients, not only that they find it helpful, but also that they find it to be “so much fun” (as a recent patient of mine stated). I will continue to refer my patients to the IMEP program.”
The IMEP™ program is offered at four locations in St. Johns County, FL (St. Augustine, West Augustine, Fruit Cove, and Ponte Vedra Beach,) as well as throughout the U.S. at agencies and facilities that serve seniors. IMEP™ at Home, a version of the program adapted for home use, is also available online.
For more information, please call 904-729-9535 or visit our website at www.imeprogram.com.
Pricing:
- Classes are 2,3, or 5 hours $20 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.IMEPROGRAM.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coasjc_FL
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coasjc/
