Memory Cafés for Adults with Memory Issues

Description:

A Café model for engaging with adults and caregivers.

Potential Audiences:

1. Individuals with Memory Issues including Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Aphasia.
   1. Caregivers
      1. Family Members
      1. Healthcare Professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists.
      1. Community Organizations and Volunteers
      1. General Public

Goal:

A safe place for people with dementia to socialize and spend quality time.

Length:

One hour

Agenda:

This can be done indoors or outdoors with proper safety precautions.

1. Gentle Exercise: Physical activity is important for maintaining physical health and mobility. Gentle exercises, such as chair exercises, stretching, walking, or modified yoga, can help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise programs specifically designed for individuals with dementia can provide guidance and ensure safety.
2. Nature and Outdoor Activities: Spending time in nature or engaging in outdoor activities can have a positive impact on mood and well-being. Going for a walk in a garden, sitting in a park, or participating in horticultural therapy can provide a sense of connection with the natural world and offer opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.
3. Pet Therapy: Interactions with animals, such as therapy dogs or cats, can bring joy and comfort to individuals with dementia. Pet therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and encourage social engagement. The presence of animals can provide companionship and a sense of purpose.

Do something outside.

1. Take a walk.
   1. Plant flowers.
      1. Water plants.
      1. Feed the birds.
      1. Rake leaves.
      1. Go to the park.
      1. Sit on a bench or a swing.
      1. Watch dogs at a dog park.
      1. Play catch or toss a ball.
      1. Play horseshoes.
      1. Visit a beach or forest preserve.
      1. Sweep the porch or patio.
      1. Set up a picnic on the lawn or in the backyard.
      1. Sit on the porch and drink coffee, hot chocolate, or lemonade.

Do something inside.

• Listen to the person’s favorite music.
• Look at family photo albums.
• Prepare afternoon tea.
• Watch a favorite sport on television.
• Model with play dough.
• Play checkers or dominos.
• Name the presidents.
• Look at photos in a photography book or magazine.
• Identify states on a U.S. map.
• Complete a puzzle together.
• Read from one of their favorite books.
• Watch a favorite movie or sitcom.
• Watch a sporting event.
• Ask the person about his or her childhood, siblings, school, pets or first car.
• Read the newspaper together or read it to them.
• Play a card game.

Do something personal.

• Give the person a hand massage with lotion.
• Brush his or her hair.
• Give the person a manicure.
• Take photos of the person and make a collage.
• Encourage the person to talk more about subjects they enjoy.
• Make a family tree posterboard.

Do something in the kitchen.

• Bake cookies or bread.
• Set the table.
• Make the person’s favorite lunch or snack.
• Wash and dry dishes.
• Put silverware away.

Celebrate family holiday traditions.

• Listen to favorite holiday music.
• Bake holiday desserts.
• Color eggs.
• Decorate a tree.
• Create holiday greeting cards.
• Watch a favorite holiday movie.
• Play a piano or guitar and sing holiday songs.

It doesn’t matter if the activity needs to be done or if it is done well. If it doesn’t work, you can always try something else. Be patient and you will figure out what works. 

Space, Logistics, Equipment, Materials and Supplies:

Local parks or library grounds

Picnic area

Event space or room

Music player

Refreshments

Toys and Games

Craft supplies

Potential community partners and outreach:

• Alzheimer’s Association
  • Dementia-friendly Communities
    • Memory Care Facilities and Senior Centers
    • Healthcare Providers and Social Service Agencies
    • Aging and Gerontology Organizations
    • Nonprofit Organizations
    • Community Support Groups
    • Local Universities, Colleges, and Research Institutions

When approaching these organizations, it is helpful to have a clear vision of the library’s goals and resources. Be open to discussing potential partnerships, sharing ideas, and identifying areas where collaboration can benefit both parties. Building strong relationships with these organizations can enhance the library’s capacity to serve individuals with dementia and their families effectively.

Marketing:

• Pick and test a great and non-stigmatized program title.
  • Work with your partners to communicate with potential participants and caregivers.
    • Search and engage with local networks, seniors club and residences, and social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, etc.)
    • Consider outreach and off-site programs.

Evaluation:

• Ask participants and caregivers for feedback for impact and improvement.
• Evaluate your program as a series and as an event.
• Collect feedback and testimonials.
• Engage partners and outreach sites in evaluation.

Tips: Look to the following websites for inspiration:

• Pinterest
• Association websites
• Other libraries
• MindCare: https://www.mindcarestore.com/

MindCare Products to Consider

Date Clock	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimers-day-date-flip-clock-p/mc-0048.htm
Green Only	https://www.mindcarestore.com/music-player-p/mc-2115.htm
Headphones	https://www.mindcarestore.com/simple-headphones-elderly-p/mc-2118.htm
Art ball	https://www.mindcarestore.com/creative-activity-art-ball-p/mc-0206.htm
Busy Board	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Busy-Work-Activity-Board-Alzheimers-p/mc-0207.htm
Busy Cube	https://www.alzstore.com/dementia-sensory-tactile-busy-fidget-cube-p/0221.htm
Fidget Toy
Widget toys	https://www.alzstore.com/relish-adult-fidget-widget-toy-p/0217.htm
Fiddle Muff	https://www.alzstore.com/fur-fiddle-hand-muffs-alzheimers-activity-p/0216.htm
Maze	https://www.alzstore.com/marble-mazes-activity-for-dementia-p/0219.htm
Activity Apron	https://www.alzstore.com/fidget-busy-apron-p/0138.htm
Total Brain Health	https://www.alzstore.com/toolbox365-brain-health-training-activity-p/0082.htm
Toolbox	https://www.mindcarestore.com/activity-handyman-box-dementia-p/mc-0088.htm
Memory Cards	https://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-photo-picture-cards-p/mc-0097.htm
Shake loose ALL	https://www.mindcarestore.com/shake-loose-a-memory-game-p/mc-0339-0004.htm
Alzheimer Proofing you Home	https://www.mindcarestore.com/complete-guide-to-alzheimers-proofing-your-home-p/mc-2149.htm
Bible Verses	https://www.alzstore.com/verses-from-the-bible-p/2153.htm
Everyday Fashion	https://www.alzstore.com/everyday-fashions-p/2206.htm
36-hour Day.	https://www.alzstore.com/36-Hour-Day-Book-for-Alzheimer-s-Care-p/2229.htm
Reusable Paint	https://www.alzstore.com/paint-with-water-coloring-sheets-p/2087.htm
Call to Mind	https://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-game-for-alzheimers-p/mc-h012.htm
Bird Puzzle	https://www.alzstore.com/bird-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/0230.htm
Puzzle set of 4	https://www.alzstore.com/farmland-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/0330.htm
Memory Cards	https://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-photo-picture-cards-p/mc-0097.htm
Aerobics for the mind	https://www.alzstore.com/exercise-memory-cards-p/0076.htm
Weighted body pad	https://www.mindcarestore.com/weighted-lap-body-pad-sensory-anxiety-therapy-p/mc-m008.htm
Sensor Wrap	https://www.mindcarestore.com/weighted-wrap-sensory-anxiety-therapy-p/mc-m010.htm
Puppies	https://www.alzstore.com/ambient-puppies-dvd-p/2096.htm
art	https://www.alzstore.com/ambient-art-dvd-p/2098.htm
water	https://www.alzstore.com/ambient-water-dvd-p/2099.htm
Bathing w/o battle	https://www.alzstore.com/bathing-without-a-battle-dvd-p/2059.htm
Teepa (u pick 4)	https://www.mindcarestore.com/teepa-snow-dvds-p/mc-0704.htm
Condition Cards	https://www.alzstore.com/i-have-a-condition-card-p/0342.htm
Lacing Card	https://www.alzstore.com/lacing-activity-for-elderly-with-Alzheimers-p/0213.htm
Magic Coloring book	https://www.mindcarestore.com/magic-painting-book-p/mc-2080.htm
Christmas Coloring	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimer-s-Christmas-magic-painting-book-p/mc-2082.htm
Snow Queen Coloring	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimer-s-Snow-Queen-magic-painting-book-p/mc-2084.htm
Wood Puzzles (4)	https://www.alzstore.com/wooden-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/2086.htm
Baby Doll Therapy	https://www.mindcarestore.com/dementia-baby-doll-therapy-p/mc-0501.htm
Life Station w/accessories	https://www.alzstore.com/artist-life-station-p/1100.htm
Ungame for Seniors	https://www.mindcarestore.com/ungame-for-seniors-p/mc-h010.htm
Match it Game (4)	https://www.alzstore.com/match-it-game-vintage-edition-p/3500.htm
All About Us game	https://www.alzstore.com/memory-activity-game-for-dementia-p/h014.htm
Dog Cat	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Joy-For-All-Pets-Companion-Alzheimer-doll-therapy-p/mc-0604.htm