Memory Cafés
June 5, 2019
Launched in 2009 with a mission to better support individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, the ACT on Alzheimer’s works with health care providers, community members, government officials, caregivers, those with Alzheimer’s, and local businesses to create a support system. The Hopkins chapter of ACT on Alzheimer’s is committed to supporting those who live with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and work to create more dementia friendly communities locally. Here we take a closer look at how they do that.
Not your typical café, a Memory Café menu features exercises for the body and brain, helpful resources and an opportunity to share experiences in a safe setting. The gatherings are open to those who are living with memory loss and their caregivers and everything on the menu, including a warm welcome and light refreshments, are free.
Director of Cassia’s Open Circle Adult Day Services in Hopkins, Peggy Gaard describes it as “a place where individuals living with memory loss and a care partner can gather to engage with others. As a shared experience, they will find fellowship and discover resources for support to remain vital and active in the community.” She added that the cafés are not intended for the individual experiencing memory loss to attend alone. They do, however, see care partners attending alone if their loved one is unwilling or unable to attend. Gaard, along with BillieJo Armstrong, director of admissions at Cassia’s Chapel View in Hopkins, have facilitated the memory cafés.
Typically, about 20 people attend the monthly Memory Cafés at the Hopkins Library. Speakers have shared information on topics such as elder law and driving issues. Gaard introduced Tammy Richardson, a personal trainer, to lead exercises for the group. Richardson queued up her iTunes to Frank Sinatra and the participants sang along to “New York, New York” and other oldies while she led them in 25 minutes of aerobic stretching and breathing, along with some easy cardio work with hands, all while they remained seated in their chairs. Gaard explained that exercise is important since it “gets more oxygen to the brain. And brain health is so important even as the disease is impacting our health.”
Exercise also helps with coordination and balance, which are both imperative as we age and can help reduce falls. After the body was exercised, the brain was up next. The participants play a game where they are tasked with naming nine types of music, nine types of insects, and nine states starting with the letter M or K. The brain game activities help people reach the information that is still in there, but can be challenging to get out. Participants then share their own stories and experiences with dementia/memory loss and how it has affected their lives.
The concept of Memory Cafés began in Europe and has been spreading to the United States for approximately 15 years. The cafés began about a year ago in Hopkins with a goal to help people understand what dementia is and provide resources to the community members. For more information about Memory Cafés in the Hopkins and Minnetonka community, visit our website, or to find a café near you, visit www.memorycafedirectory.com/memory-cafes-in-minnesota.
To help support and educate those living with dementia and their caregivers the Hopkins ACT on Alzheimer’s proudly sponsors several dementia related community events throughout the year, with a special focus in May in recognition of national Senior Awareness Month. Throughout the month, residents in Hopkins and surrounding cities attended a number of events, all of which were FREE and open to the public.
The ACT on Alzheimer’s initiative is powered by the Hopkins ACT on Alzheimer’s Action Team which includes members from; the Hopkins Library; City of Hopkins, Hopkins Fire and Police, Cassia Services and Communities; Chapel View Health Care Center; Emerald Crest of Minnetonka and Augustana Open Circle, Volunteers of America – Elder Homestead of Minnetonka, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hopkins Elks, and The Glenn. For more information, please contact Laura Herman at 952-697-5373 or Laura.Herman@cassialife.org.
Located in Burnsville, Minnetonka, Shakopee, and Victoria, Emerald Crest by Augustana Care memory care communities are inspired by residents and families. With a deep knowledge of memory care, we offer a specialized assisted living setting for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions. Staff expertise allows us to create opportunities that go beyond conventional notions of memory care. To learn more, please visit www.emeraldcrest.com.
