Memory Cafes are coming to the Us
…Memory Cafes Co
me to America– As the number of baby boomers rise so do the numbers of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinsons or some other form of memory loss.
This means more and more caregivers seeking help for family members or loved ones who suffer sleepless nights, problems dressing themselves, or simply wandering away when no one is watching.
Not to mention the aggression or anger that sometimes occur as behavior and personality change with declining cognition.
Throughout Great Britain and a few other countries there are Memory Cafes to help with the need for comraderie and fellowship for those suffering memory-loss as well as their loved ones and caregivers.
For the caregiver as well as the person with memory-loss, the Memory Cafe is a place to “vent” when the stress becomes overwhelming. A place to “share” when they’re having a good day. They have a community/forum where they can meet together without fear of discrimination and share all they have in common openly.
Among the first Memory Cafes opening in the U.S. is:
J. Arthur’s Memory Cafe in Roseville, Minnesota. See their schedule to the left. If you’re in that area, Check them out!
John T. McFadden, author, “Aging Together” said, “Memory Cafes are, first and foremost, a setting in which persons with memory loss can share fun and laughter with their care partners and friends in a setting free from awkwardness and stigma. But they are also a setting where accurate information about resources is available and relationships with persons in similar circumstances are formed. And they are a vehicle for bringing dementia “out of the closet” and into the heart of community.”
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Aging Together: Dementia, Friendship, and Flourishing Communities
John and his wife, Susan H. McFadden, co-authors, “Aging Together,” have visited many of the Memory Cafes in Great Britain and bring that information to the public through their blog of the same name. “Aging Together.”
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Lori La Bey says
08/07 at 6:35 pmThis is great. We are in the process of trying to personally reach out to all Memory and Alzheimer’s Cafe’s in the US so we can get them into the Alzheimer’s Speaks Resource Directory. In addition, we will be rolling out a Memory Cafe Mentor Page which will highlight mentors around the world willing and able to assist others in setting up their own cafes, help trouble shot issues and in network. If you areinvolved with a Memory or Alzheimer’s Cafe in the US please contact Lori La Bey via the http://www.AlzheimersSpeaks.com website. We will get you instructions on how to get listed in the directory. The UK will continue to track their Memory cafes and we will all share resources. I just love the collaboration! Here is the UK’s website… http://www.memorycafes.org.uk
~ Sandy says
08/07 at 8:10 pmLori,
This sounds great! I’m hearing more and more every day about new Memory Cafes! What a relief for all those who can share ideas and thoughts and camaraderie as they come together like family!
Thanks for sharing those websites, Lori–
~Sandy
Lori La Bey says
08/07 at 8:54 pmYour welcome! Pretty exciting times as far as changes being made to improve dementia care.
Peter Smith says
05/19 at 11:21 amWe began a memory cafe in October 2011 with 11 people attending.We now have an average of 90-100.Please look at Tea Cosy Memory Cafe and Dementia Friendly Rothwell on Facebook.
Good Luck with your cafes.
~ Sandy says
05/19 at 11:34 amHello Peter,
Thank you so much for sending the links. I wasn’t aware of either; Tea Cosy Memory Cafe, or Dementia Friendly Rothwell.
I really like this kind of information. It’s such a help for those who have dementia and their caregivers and family to meet together for support, and to share information. Great pages, glad you made us aware!
All the best!
~Sandy