RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield Station and Ridgefield Parks and Recreation have partnered to launch a Memory Café, a community program designed to support dementia patients and their caregivers. The initiative aims to provide a welcoming space where caregivers can connect while their loved ones engage in structured activities led by memory care professionals.The program, spearheaded by Ridgefield Station’s director of Community Relations Maureen McLam, began in January. It includes monthly social gatherings, structured...
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield Station and Ridgefield Parks and Recreation have partnered to launch a Memory Café, a community program designed to support dementia patients and their caregivers. The initiative aims to provide a welcoming space where caregivers can connect while their loved ones engage in structured activities led by memory care professionals.
The program, spearheaded by Ridgefield Station’s director of Community Relations Maureen McLam, began in January. It includes monthly social gatherings, structured programming for those with dementia, and a support group for caregivers. Activities have ranged from exercise and painting classes to live entertainment.
Ridgefield Station already offers plenty of programs for its own residents with dementia, obviously. The new Memory Cafés are for the public.
"We wanted to try to do more out in the community, just as a wider base, to provide for that population that needs the help," said Hugh Salazar, who oversees the facility's memory care initiatives.
"And we thought it was just a wonderful idea to bring here to the Rec Center," said Mary Knox, assistant director of Program Operations for Ridgefield Park & Rec. "We thought it was just a wonderful way to create community for people who are caregivers right here in town and in local towns as well."
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A Dutch psychiatrist came up with the idea for memory cafés in 1997, and they made their way to Minnesota 11 years later. There are now hundreds of locations operating across the U.S. in community centers, libraries, and senior living facilities. The programming has been endorsed by both the Alzheimer’s Association and Dementia Action Alliance.
The local Memory Café currently meets once a month, with plans to relocate to the Ridgefield Library in July and August due to summer camp programming at the Rec Center. Expansion is possible if demand grows, Knox told Patch.
Each session begins with a social meet-and-greet over light refreshments, followed by an hour-long session split between a structured activity for individuals with dementia and a discussion group for caregivers. Organizers are working to refine the program based on participant feedback.
Registration is available online, in person at the Recreation Center or by calling 203-431-2755 (press 1).
"The first time we hosted this program, we saw a group of strangers walk in and leave as friends," Knox said. "We encourage anyone who may be hesitant to come and experience the connections they can build here."