The Power of Memory Cafés for Dementia Care Most communities have plenty of gathering spaces available for people to meet up, chat, share a meal and take a break in a relaxing, supportive environment. But for people with dementia and their caregivers, finding a truly safe space out in the community can be a lot more challenging. Due to stigma and lack of knowledge, many people in the general public aren’t sure how to interact with someone with dementia, and even business owners may be at a loss to handle a situation where someone with dementia is distressed, or struggles to make a purchase. Aware of these challenges, caregivers may hesitate to bring a loved one into the community, unintentionally putting them at risk of social isolation. Read more
How Caregivers Can Get Involved in the Community Many times, people think of volunteering or being involved in the community as another activity to add to their to-do list. This can especially be the case when the project we have signed on for is out of our realm of interest. Caregivers can also often feel they do not have enough time to engage in activities they enjoy. However, finding the perfectly tailored volunteer opportunity or community engagement program can be key to gratification in our personal lives. Read more
Tips for Connecting with a Senior Center Senior Centers are a vital community resource for older adults, providing a wide variety of programs, services and supports, and enabling older adults to remain active and engaged, while combating social isolation and loneliness. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that “Today, almost 10,000 senior centers serve more than 1 million older adults every day.” It can be intimidating or challenging to initially connect with a senior center. Here are some practical tips to get started. Read more
