Memory Café is a small group atmosphere for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and their caregiver, to connect with those who are going through similar unique circumstances, through themed activities designed to allow participants to relax and enjoy themselves.
Donna Rindfleisch brings her husband Carl, who has vascular dementia. “It’s a godsend. It is so important for my husband to attend Memory Café, we don’t plan anything else on these days. It is extremely important that we be here. The childhood games and songs – that’s what these participants can remember. He’s always glad he came.”
“We designed the program, for couples – whether it is a husband and wife, a friend bringing a friend, or a child bringing a parent – it’s somewhere they can go, and enjoy themselves,” says Karen Wenninger, co-facilitator and one of the original program developers. “People with dementia – it can be very lonely, and the activities you used to participate in, are often times not something you can do anymore. But here, everyone knows what it’s like to have dementia, and the participants all relax. Someone else is in charge, and they just have fun.”
Participants gather and participate in group activities and share stories and memories. Cathy Anderson attended with, and cared for, her husband prior to his passing. “Memory Café was something he could look forward to. It’s good for their minds and also good for them physically, and keeps them socially involved with other people.”
The next Memory Café is October 18th. If you are interested and would like to join with the group, contact Marty Bechard, Waushara County Caregiving Coordinator at 920-787-0403.
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Clyde and Marilyn Holmes of Wautoma participate in a trivia activity at Memory Café on August 30th.