Picture this: a warm, cozy room that’s set up with places to sit and chat with one another. Quiet music is playing. Everyone has a hot drink of choice. It’s a place where you can put aside your regular day and have a chance to relax, socialize and simply enjoy being together. Now, picture the people taking part in this: seniors with dementia and their caregivers. That’s the basis for a Memory Café, which is gaining in popularity throughout the nation (and even the world).
“A Memory Café is a place where individuals with cognitive disease like dementia can connect with others,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “Memory Cafés are also open to caregivers, family members or friends, giving them a chance to meet others who are dealing with similar situations.”
A Memory Café isn’t an adult daycare, nor is it a support group. Attendees don’t go to them with a preconceived notion of what to expect. Rather, it’s a chance to have a sense of normalcy and experience togetherness in an unstructured, enjoyable way.
According to the Memory Café Directory, a Memory Café “…is a safe and comfortable space where caregivers and their loved ones can socialize, listen to music, play games, and enjoy other appropriate activities. They provide mutual support and exchange information. This by itself is valuable if for nothing more than to obtain information about additional resources.”
The directory also says, that “…while a Memory Café is beneficial for those living with dementia, it is also beneficial for their caregivers as well. It is not a place to ‘drop off’ your loved one for a while, but a way to enjoy activities with them as a break from the normal routine that you share.”
In an AARP article about Memory Cafés, it’s noted that “…caregivers often say one of the hardest parts of dealing with dementia is the absence of normal interactions they once had in a couple or parent/child relationship. Instead, these days are full of difficult and tedious tasks.”
“Memory Cafés are an excellent way to give caregivers and their senior loved ones a break from the tedium and difficulties of daily life,” says Erica. “At Bridges by EPOCH at Westford, our monthly Memory Cafés are a great way for our residents, family members and community members to enjoy conversation, music and the simple joy of spending time together. It’s great for everyone, because everyone is able to relax and not worry or feel bad about memory lapses, behaviors or explanations.”
The concept of “Memory Cafés” started in the Netherlands in 1997. Dr. Bere Miesen, a Dutch psychiatrist, introduced this innovative concept as a way to break down the stigmas associated with cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Back in those days, cognitive issues weren’t discussed in “polite society,” and individuals living with the disease (and their caregivers) were suffering socially as a result.
The idea of Memory Cafés grew and became more popular throughout Europe. The idea spread from the Netherlands to England, Ireland, Australia and all the way to the United States. Today, Memory Cafés take place just about anywhere: a church, senior living community, library or even an actual café. It doesn’t really matter where it takes place, as long as the goal is the same: creating a place where seniors with dementia and the people who love them can rekindle their relationships. More than 700 are now listed in the directory, which started cataloguing the meeting spots in 2016.
What takes place at a Memory Café? Well, a little bit of everything. Activities can vary – some invite guest artists, some are just for chatting and relaxing while others are educational in nature. However, the focus tends to be on activities or topics that can cause reminiscing about the past. That connection can be very beneficial for both the seniors and their loved ones, as it serves to strengthen bonds.
Memory Café with Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford
Typically, the Memory Café with Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford is held at The Java Room, which is located at 14 Littleton Road in Chelmsford. Families enjoy some entertainment, companionship and fun. During the pandemic, however, we have taken our Memory Café virtual!
Our next Memory Café will be held on Wednesday, June 24 and will feature Americana trivia and music. It will be hosted on the Zoom platform. You don’t have to be an online expert to join us – it’s easy! If you would like to join this session with your loved one, we encourage you to call Senior Advisor Sarah at
978.320.3383 for details and login instructions. We hope to see you!
Comprehensive Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford delivers highly specialized memory care assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our resident-centered approach focuses on providing dignity, purpose and moments of joy in daily life for those in all stages of the disease. We offer a wellness-focused lifestyle that centers around a resident’s current skills and abilities, not those that have been lost to dementia.
Life-Enriching Programs
Our team members take an active role in getting to know each resident on a personal level to deliver programming that is meaningful to them. We account for the preferences, interests, needs and abilities of our residents to connect with them and encourage their involvement in daily life and boost self-esteem.
Warm, Residential Atmosphere
Featuring a stunning residential design, every inch of our community has been designed to benefit those with memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable, safe and at home.
Contact us today to learn more.