What is a Memory Cafe

What a Memory Café Is

Memory Cafés are a welcoming and safe place for individuals with any type of dementias or cognitive impairment. They provide a space for individuals, caregivers, loved ones, friends and those affected by dementia or cognitive impairment to meet others, have discussions, play games, and enjoy themselves. The café’s offer support, resources and information on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Cafés are held in library’s, churches, restaurants, and even in individuals own homes and are open to the community.

Each café has its own flair and offers a unique experience. Some memory café’s include activities such as arts and crafts music or dancing; while others may focus on education and discussions.

What a Memory Café Is Not

A memory café is not intended to provide respite care to individuals. It is intended to be a comfortable safe place for folks to take a break from their everyday practices and have fun. They are meant to act as a place to make connections, friends and find support.

Recently, our Community Relations Team Celeste Begley and Victoria Guskiewicz took a road trip to visit Beth Soltzberg at the Jewish Family and Children’s Service Center (JF&CS) in Waltham, MA where she facilitates a monthly memory café. There were over 30 attendees and volunteers at the café. We are looking forward to opening our very first memory café in Newburyport, Massachusetts in the early Fall 2017. We’d be delighted if you would join us! More details to come.

To learn more about Memory Café’s and to find one in your local area please visit this page.