Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
According to COA Director Alison Cservenschi, “Bedford’s Memory Cafe will support area residents with memory impairment, and their caregivers.” The once-a-month event is planned as a safe and welcoming space that will mitigate the isolation that can accompany a diagnosis of dementia. “The Cafes will offer an environment where everyone – staff, caregivers and loved ones can contribute and reconnect with the community,” she said.
Beginning on January 23, the Bedford Memory Café will be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 10 am to noon in the Flint Room on the second floor of the Town Center building, 12 Mudge Way. Walk-ins are welcome, and the program is open to all Bedford-area residents. A care partner must accompany participants who require personal care assistance.
Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging (FBCOA), Carleton-Willard Village Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. (CESI – local adult day health provider), the Bedford COA and individual donations, the monthly Cafés will feature a performance or activity, such as dance/movement therapy, sing-alongs, ukulele lessons, art education, dance instruction, and comedy, along with meaningful conversation, education and resources on memory impairment.
FBCOA president Roberta “Bobbie” Ennis notes that funding for the Memory Cafe is in place through June 2018. The FBCOA would like to see the Cafes continue into the autumn and will be fundraising to support the Cafes. “I’d like to see Bedford residents get involved, making individual donations on a regular basis,” said Ennis. “No gift is too small!”
In addition to the support of families and individuals coping with memory impairment, the Memory Cafes also offer residents a new volunteer opportunity for social interaction. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact the COA Director, Alison Cservenschi on 781-275-6825.
According to Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Elder Affairs, 14.7 % of Bedford seniors — more than 300 residents — have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Within the next decade, the number of Massachusetts residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is projected to increase by 25%.
Alzheimer’s does not affect the area of the brain that processes music and art until later stages, which provides a perfect opportunity to engage seniors with dementia in creative and meaningful activities which their caregivers can share.
Loading ...
