Forget-Me-Nots Memory Café
Memory cafés can be a wonderful way for persons living with dementia and their families to engage and socialize with each other in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The Forget-Me-Nots is a virtual memory café sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and is run by volunteers. We started this memory café over a year ago, in September 2020, and it has been an exciting year for us! When we started the café, we paid special attention to what the name should be, and eventually decided to name it after the forget-me-nots flower that represents dementia awareness. This name serves as a reminder of how important it is to not let persons living with dementia be forgotten.
As volunteers, we prepare and plan the activities for each session and deliver supplies to attendees when needed for certain activities. During the last year, we have guided many different activities for our attendees. We have led conversation starters, karaoke, painting, pet sharing, animal bingo, and much more.
We’ve also recently begun an exciting partnership with the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA). This partnership has been so beneficial for us and our attendees. Recently, we had a virtual tour of Egypt while looking at various artifacts that SAMA had on exhibit that was so much fun!
We are so grateful for all of the attendees that have joined us at the Forget-Me-Nots. They are so special to us! This memory café has also been a special place for them. The Forget Me Not Memory Cafe is a wonderful outlet for fun and mental stimulation. It is also a stress-free period of enjoyment for caregivers and PLWD to spend time together.
An essential element in the Forget Me Not success is our facilitator Ashlie Glassner along with her colleagues. They are well prepared for each session with creative themes and activities and are also well able to handle the inevitable questions about signing onto a zoom class. They are sincerely concerned for our Alzheimer’s community. Their friendly and happy demeanor lifts the spirits of all who participate.
The Forget Me Not Memory Cafe is open to all. Please join us. I guarantee you will be glad you did.” (Kathleen and Jim Shock)
“Charlie and I have enjoyed participating in the Forget Me Not Memory Cafe. It has given us the opportunity to socialize with others, which has become difficult due to the Pandemic and our current situation with Alzheimer’s. We look forward to the activities, listening to and sharing stories with others who understand our situation. It has become a wonderful “time out” from our reality. We are deeply grateful that this program is offered to both Persons Living with Dementia and their Caregivers.” (Ruth and Charlie Shaw)
Going forward into 2022, we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with SAMA and partnering with other organizations as well. We are excited to do more activities with our wonderful and amazing attendees, and we look forward to what the next year will bring!
*Special thank you to the authors of this article: Erika Brady, Tania Flores, Dianne Teran, Michelle Trevino, Tripp Cardiff, and Ashlie Glassner.