Life

MemoryCare plays focus on dementia

By Kate Stockman, Published: May 3, 2013

MemoryCare, an Asheville-based nonprofit that serves patients with dementia and their family caregivers, will present a program of three original one-act plays submitted by playwrights from across the nation on Saturday.

The event will be held at the Grace Center at the corner of N.C. 280 and Cardinal Road in Mills River. The evening begins with a reception at 6:15 p.m. (with refreshments and a silent auction) followed by the performances at 7 p.m.

Not only is this an evening of plays that highlight the issues families face when a loved one suffers from dementia but also the audience will be challenged to select the best play of the evening.

"We held a national search for submissions and received over 90 one-act plays," explained Marilee Shore, a volunteer at MemoryCare. "All of these were read by a panel, who submitted their top choices to the MemoryCare staff. The top plays chosen by the staff were then read by Paige Posey from the Flat Rock Playhouse and author Tommy Hayes.

"These three are the top plays chosen from the original submissions," she continued.

All proceeds benefit the families served by MemoryCare. The non-profit has three main focuses: to provide medical services to patients, to provide education and support to their family caregivers, and to provide community education and training.

The plays are an innovative part of their mission to offer community education.

Shore was a caregiver for her mother and her husband who both suffered dementia at the same time. She said, "We all love stories and these stories can be a way to honor our parents and spouses who have this disease. And while there are less than delightful times with them, there is also a lot of humor, too.

"These plays give us a chance to see dementia from other points of view," she said. "This is a really innovative means where life and literature meet to reveal our stories."

MemoryCare has three locations that serve all of Western North Carolina. Their main office is located at Givens Estates and they have satellite offices in Haywood and Yancey counties. In 2012, the organization served 625 individuals from Henderson County, 16 percent of their total clients.

Tickets are $15 and must be reserved in advance by calling 828-274-4801 ext. 2249#. Leave a message with your name, phone number, and how many tickets you would like to reserve.

For additional information contact Chad Conaty at 828-712-6094 or visit the website at www.memorycare.org.
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