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Memory Cafe offers caregivers some relief

Being a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer's or dementia can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be a source of stress. As part of our series Alive and Well STL, information on a new program to reduce that toxic stress, and give everyone involved, some much needed downtime.
Memory Cafe offers downtime for caregivers of someone living with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Visitors at the St. Louis Activity Center on Arsenal are doing a little singing and learning about a new program for people with Alzheimer's or dementia and their caregivers. The program is called "Memory Cafe" and put together by Comforcare.

"This project is about educating the community and getting those with dementia involved in not only the education, but the engagement and activities," explained Angela Haas, Comforcare's community outreach manager.

The program's mission is to give caregivers a little stress-free fun.

"So what we're trying to do is give them a little bit of respite, whether they drop them off and we'll take care of them here, and then they can go and do something or the biggest part is them actually participating," said Haas.

Terry Spreck is a regular at the activity center. His brother Steve says programs like Memory Cafe help lighten a caregiver's load.

"There's just so much responsibility and you have to be on 24/7, thinking about the next step and so it provides a relief for a few hours and allows people to do what they need to do in terms of their personal lives," said Spreck.

"We bring all the supplies, we bring all the materials, we bring the food, the coffee and they can just sort of breathe for a little bit, but participate in an activity that's fun," he said.

There's also a question and answer session that gives caregivers an opportunity to learn about resources that could offer them help.

"It allows you to know that you are not the only one that might be facing these types of situations," said Spreck.
It's education, fun and some much needed downtime all in one place.

Memory Cafe focuses on dementia families and is free to attend, but reservations are required. Currently, the program is being held at the St. Louis Activity Center once a month through December. Call (314) 965-9600 with name and number attending.

Upcoming Memory Cafes:

  • October 12th, 10:30am: Paint and Color with a Twist, Halloween fizzy and spritzer drinks that are healthy
  • November 16th, 10:30am: Indoor Gardening: Healing and Therapeutic plants and herbs
  • December 14th, 10:30am: Holiday Crafts: Spirit of the season, craft greeting cards for various religious faiths

Walk to End Alzheimer's 2016

The 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday, September 10th in downtown St. Louis. There’s still time to register and participate. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Scottrade Center.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10
8 a.m. Registration
9:20 a.m. Opening ceremony
10 a.m. Walk begins (Route attached)

WHERE: Scottrade Center (Clark St. Entrance)

HOW: Start or join a team today at alz.org/walk.

Before You Leave, Check This Out