Memory Cafe Series Begins Nov. 2 to Enrich Lives of Loved Ones with Dementia
Chances are, you know someone who has dementia, or you know their caregiver. You may be that caregiver, and understand the need for safe places where those with dementia can socialize, reminisce and connect in meaningful ways with their caregivers.
For several years, the Springfield-Greene County Library District has provided outreach services and programming for this audience, usually in residential care facilities for those in the middle-to-late stages of dementia.
On Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Library Station, the Library launches a quarterly program, Memory Café, for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia who are still living at home with their caregivers.
A Memory Café is a social gathering for those experiencing early-stage dementia, mild memory loss or mild cognitive impairment, and a family member or care partner. Library Station staffer Tysha Shay explains that the “café” serves as a safe space for the caregiver and their companion to have fun, find support and share experiences. “This type of programming also combats the isolation that can occur for those with dementia and their care partner,” she says.
Each Memory Café will offer a different topic that will provide opportunities for conversation, games or entertainment.
First up is Music Memory Café from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Frisco Room with traditional bluegrass duo Fiddle and Banjo. Why music? According to the Mayo Clinic, Tysha says, listening to music or singing can relieve stress and reduce anxiety, depression and agitation for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. It can do the same for care partners, too! To register, call 616-0683.
Watch for details about upcoming programs including Chocolate Memory Café and Pets Memory Café.
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Do you have a “family keepsakes” shoebox with newspaper clippings and newsmaker photos from the past? Need some help shedding light on who those people are?
You don’t have to lose those stories to history. You’re invited to pack up those clips and photos and take them to the Library Center anytime from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, for a sleuthing session called “More to the Story: News Clips and You.”
The Library and the News-Leader have partnered on this event to help piece together a richer history of the Ozarks. We’re asking people to bring in those saved clippings and share the stories behind them with News-Leader reporters. Their goal is to publish some, and archive all for history’s sake. The Library’s Local History and Genealogy Department staff will be there to help you research unknown aspects of those stories and provide digital copies or photocopies of your worn clips, too.
For questions about the event, contact the News-Leader’s Stephen Herzog at 417-836-1219 or sherzog@news-leader.com.
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