As everyone ages, there are some who are gifted with excellent recall, and remembering important times in their lives. They can find themselves reciting key dates and people in their lives. On the other hand, some people may have trouble remembering simple tasks, such as their name or address. It can be debilitating, not only for that person, but also for the people who love them.
There is a program devoted to helping those living with dementia, caused by many different brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Disease, that helps individuals and their loved ones find ways of socializing, engaging with new friends, and enjoying life, one day at a time.
The Rhode Island Memory Cafés help those individuals who are living with dementia and their care partners. These “cafes” are designed to provide a safe, engaging, and fun experience, and to point out the skills that still remain, so they can go back and use these activities at home.
Laurie Gunter Mantz, Executive Director of Rhode Island Memory Cafés, is a registered occupational therapist and a certified dementia care trainer. She began this endeavor in 2018. It gained momentum until Covid shut everything down. It took several years for her to relaunch the program, which occurred last fall.
Mantz said that she believes there is unfortunately a growing population who should take advantage of this opportunity. However, many don’t know it exists.
“The Memory Cafés are based on socialization, learning new skills, and seeing the skills that still remain, so that attendees can enhance their own lives,” Laurie said. “People who are living with dementia and their care partners often fall into social isolation because in part, people don’t want to discuss it—similar to how people refused to discuss cancers 40 years ago. The cafés provide them with an opportunity to have fun, while remaining active and showing that others are also living with these diseases. It’s critical for the health and well-being for both the individuals living with dementia and the care partners.
“When the pandemic hit, we tried to hold events on Zoom. We all know how we felt with the isolation,” she continued. “We soon found out that we needed to meet in person in order to be effective. People were not as engaged on their computers or devices, as they are when face to face.”
At its peak, Rhode Island Memory Cafés were held at numerous venues. Since its reopening a few months ago, 6 assisted living facilities throughout the state now host this program: Halcyon/ West Bay, Stillwater Assisted Living, Atria Lincoln Place, St. Clare’s/Newport, Wingate on Blackstone, and Wingate on the East Side. Depending on the venue, they often bring in between 10-12 attendees (individuals living with dementia and their care partners). Mantz said that their goal is to have a Memory Café in all 39 cities and towns of RI by June 2026.
Activities range from beginning with coffee and a snack, socializing and catching up with friends. Then they move on to trivia games, music, exercise, dance, and even arts and crafts, a favorite! Morning sessions run from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon or 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, for the afternoon.
Mantz said that the care partner also benefits by learning more about themselves, recognizing the need to meet their own needs, and to squeeze in some fun, whenever they can.
“We had someone come in and the activity was painting. A person living with dementia said that she didn’t know how to paint. With some cues and encouragement, she displayed two completed works, and joked that hers were better than everyone else’s. It can be eye-opening for everyone, and it could even lead into a new hobby at home,” Laurie said.
RI Memory Cafés is a non-profit organization supporting people living with dementia and their care partners. They are devoted to ensuring all Rhode Islanders living with dementia have access to opportunities that cultivate social interaction, create uplifting moments, and educate our greater communities. This is accomplished by building a network of gatherings across Rhode Island so that together we may forge a dementia-friendly state.
A Memory Café is an opportunity for individuals living with dementia, and their care partners, to meet others with similar concerns, socialize, learn new skills, and support each other as they travel their own path with dementia. One of the most difficult parts of advancing neurocognitive disorders, better known as dementia, is the isolation felt by the individual with the disease and their care partner. The significant impact of providing care on the care partners, regarding their health, socially and financially, is an additional hardship. Memory Cafés help to bridge that hardship with resources, skills, support, and friendships. The number one goal at all Memory Cafés is to have fun! Cafés are free and open to anyone living with dementia, their care partners, family and friends.
Because they are a non-profit organization, Rhode Island Memory Cafés rely on grants, sponsorships, and donations from the community. Another way they try to generate support is through fundraising.
In April, the organization will host its first major fundraiser, the “Memories under the Stars Gala.” This event, held on April 3rd, at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, will be a nod to its hay days of dinner and dancing to the music of The New Providence Big Band. The elegant event will also feature silent auctions, all to benefit the expansion of the services throughout Rhode Island. To purchase tickets, please go to the website www.RIMemoryCafes.org. They are also looking for sponsors, as well as auction items.
Much of the behind the scenes work can be attributed to the Café’s board of directors. The Board consists of: Chloe Mete, Cheryl Doolin, Ashley Ferreira, Lauren Yany, Beth-Ann McCrea, and Melissa Stock. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge from the aging and senior living industry.
An additional member to the team is Pippa, a miniature Goldendoodle, and a registered therapy dog. Pippa always brings a smile to the faces of those that attend, and is often the center of attention.
More information about The Rhode Island Memory Cafés, including where and when upcoming Cafés are being held, visit their website at www.RIMemoryCafes.org
Additional information may be found by contacting Laurie Gunter Mantz at RIMemorycafes@gmail.com, or via cell at 603-264-1224.
