The Alzheimer Society Toronto & Alzheimer Society of York Region Welcomes you to this Fall’s Memory Cafe events featured at Mosaic!

September 6, 2017 in Alzheimer's & Dementia, Events |

Welcome to a cafe style environment geared towards people diagnosed with Early Alzheimer’s disease and/or related dementias, their Care Partners as well as those who worry about memory problems. The cafes provide a friendly atmosphere where people can socialize and share experiences over a cup of coffee or tea/refreshments.

The “café environment” idea was pioneered by Dr. Bére Miesen, a Dutch clinical psychologist in 1997, with his key message:

“Do not hide away – come and participate with us, in this safe [AC] space, and in society and life as much as you can. You did not ask to get dementia, and it could happen to any of us. Here we understand – and want to talk about it and learn to live with it.”[1]

According to Dr. Marco Blom “an AC is much more than a social gathering. Its purpose is to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia by facilitating social contact and providing education about dementia, for everyone affected by and interested in all types of dementia…..topics relating to dementia are presented and discussed knowledgably, sensitively and openly with people with dementia their carers/caregivers

This new program is held in the Mosaic Home Care Community Resource Centre at our Toronto Location at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. The community space provides a relaxed atmosphere where individuals can socialize, play games, listen to guest speakers, and ask questions in a non-threatening environment. Support staff from the Alzheimer’s Society, social workers and other professionals are there to provide support and guidance.

And, a final word from Toronto “Women’s Brain Health Initiative”: “dementia….it’s not a blemish that you must hide from others or a top secret burden you must carry alone. Rather, let’s face the fact that we need each other in this challenge…..It does not erase who you are or all of the things you’ve done over the years- the parenting, the teaching, the career, your youth, your faith, your identity. Dementia is not you, and that’s a truth we shouldn’t whisper.”

To find out more information on The Memory Café in Toronto contact http://alz.to/ or call 416-322-6560 and speak with Romina.

Memory Café at Mosaic will run the last Wednesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. call 416-322-7002 for more information. This program is organized by the Alzheimer Society Toronto and partnered with Mosaic Home Care Services & Community Resource Centre.

To find an Alzheimer’s Café in your area: Contact your local Alzheimer Society for Services and information. Alzheimer Society in your area at www.alzheimer.ca/on or call 800-879-4226

To find out more about the First Link®Memory Café in York Region contact www.alzheimer-york.com or call 888-414-5550 and ask for Jonathan Macri.

First Link ®Memory Café at Mosaic will run the last Tuesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. call 905-597-7000 for more information. This program is organized by the Alzheimer Society York Region and partnered with Mosaic Home Care Services & Community Resource Centre.

Jane Teasdale

Director of Business Development & Community Relations


[1] http://www.alzheimercafe.co.uk/Media/TAD1.pdf

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