The Role of A Memory Cafe in Canada

A senior with dementia and their caregiver walk into a memory cafe and are greeted with a warm welcome from the staff and volunteers. Offering a light meal and some refreshments, a variety of activities are on display. There is a slight buzz in the air and lots of smiles. 

How about some music therapy? Or perhaps some of the art supplies on hand had triggered a happy memory for the person with dementia and she’s ready to try her hand again. Perhaps a new therapy called reminiscence therapy has piqued the interest of the senior and he wants to try it, while the caregiver is offered some coffee and brief social time with another caregiver. An expert in dementia care strolls the area, offering help and advice to those who look like they need it.

At another table, there is a trivia game being played; while another person enjoys a quiet moment with a puzzle while his caregiver reads a book. Some people look nervous and only want to embark on quiet activities, but they are always curious and looking around at the action. The caregiver has an opportunity to connect with other caregivers, enjoy a cup of tea, and participate in the activities alongside their loved one. At the end of the afternoon, the person with dementia and the caregiver will both benefit from the social interaction and the chance to make new friends. The person with dementia is more talkative now with her caregiver. They talk about the things they did at the cafe. Feeling refreshed and connected after much needed social time, they realize they are not alone.

What is a memory cafe?

Memory cafes are places of socialization where those living with dementia and their caregivers can come together to share experiences, exchange information, and provide mutual support. Memory cafes are a welcoming place for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other form of dementia. Those with brain disorders, or various forms of mild cognitive impairment are all welcome. 

Fostering a sense of community, memory cafes (or called dementia cafes by others) provide an opportunity for people to express themselves, reduce isolation, and engage in activities that stimulate the mind. People can talk openly about their experiences with dementia, share advice and support, and learn about resources that can help them cope with the challenges of living with dementia. 

Memory cafes offer a variety of activities that are physically and mentally stimulating. These activities can include arts and crafts, educational seminars, physical activities, and social outings. They are typically tailored to the individual needs of those attending, and the activities change to provide something new and interesting.

Who Runs a Memory Cafe and Where?

Memory Cafes are typically run by health care and social services professionals; they are there to provide guidance and answer questions or requests for resources related to caregiving and dementia. Memory cafes also offer a variety of other services, such as access to information and resources about dementia, connecting people to other dementia-related services in the area, and providing support and guidance to caregivers. 

A memory cafe near you could be a local coffee house, or restaurant. Community centres, libraries, galleries and even farms have been turned into a memory cafe.

While many memory cafes are being created, there is still a shortage of supportive resources to create them due to the fast-growing nature of the problem. Our population is aging, and there just aren’t enough memory cafes around. 

If you want to create your own memory cafe, Google is your best friend. There are online resources and guides that offer tips and step-by-step instructions on how to start your own memory cafe in your area. We found a fantastic resource here to help you set up your own memory cafe, feel free to check it out! While it is a UK-based guide, it contains relevant information regarding location scouting, funding, administrative set ups, and much more. 

For such a booming aging population, a location that caters to this demographic makes good business sense too!

“Alzheimer’s is not about the past—the successes, the accolades, the accomplishments… Alzheimer’s is about the present and the struggle, the scrappy brawl, the fight to live with a disease. It’s being in the present, the relationships, the experiences, which is the core of life, the courage to live in the soul.”

On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s, Greg O’Brien

3 Ways A Memory Cafe Helps Seniors 

Improves memory

Attending a memory cafe can help a senior improve their memory by providing an environment that encourages cognitive stimulation. Memory cafes typically provide stimulating activities, such as word games and puzzles, that can help seniors sharpen their memory. Memory Cafes provide seniors with educational materials and resources that can help them learn more about memory and how to better manage it. If your local memory cafe offers a lot of art-based activities, this is an added bonus for those with dementia because art can jog certain memories that bring about positive emotions. Art and music,through a variety of sounds and images,can inspire and motivate, providing emotional, cognitive and even spiritual healing. It is an expression of emotions that can never be matched by other forms of Art. Except maybe dance!

Gives a feeling of accomplishment 

A memory cafe can provide a supportive, stimulating environment for seniors dealing with memory loss, giving them a sense of belonging and a chance to learn new skills. Learning a new skill while living with dementia can feel comforting knowing that one still has the ability to learn. It also encourages seniors to be independent and to use their remaining cognitive abilities. Memory cafes offer a range of activities, allowing seniors to explore new interests, practice communication skills, and even learn problem-solving skills. These accomplishments can bolster a person with dementia by helping reduce depression. Depression sometimes stems from feelings of uselessness and lack of independence and purpose.  

 Reduces stress

Attending a memory cafe can be a great way to reduce stress for both seniors and their caregivers. They provide an opportunity for participants to connect with others who have similar experiences and to share advice, and support. By attending memory cafes, seniors and their caregivers can get the social and emotional support they need to reduce stress and enjoy life more. Activities reduces stress because they provide an outlet for frustration and anxiety and at the same time, helps improve memory.  The reduction of caregiver stress is also very significant, because caregiving can be the most stressful job out there. Caregivers need an outlet, an opportunity to unload as well. Memory cafes offer this – an opportunity to connect and befriend other caregivers who are going through the same experiences.

Memory cafes are great for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to stay connected with the world around them and remain engaged in meaningful activities. By providing a safe and comfortable environment for seniors, memory cafes help reduce isolation and improve quality of life. They also provide a way for family and friends to stay connected with their loved ones and to help support them through difficult times. 

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.”

Cesare Pavese