Alz Cafe begins again at Pukekura Park cafe
Alzheimers Taranaki is about to revive its monthly social cafe. Alz Cafe, to be held at Tea House On The Lake in Pukekura Park, will hold its first informal gathering held on September 28.
‘‘It’s for socialisation, meeting new friends and people of similar circumstances,’’ field worker Delwyn Wallace said.
The cafe is for family members, carers, friends, and people who have, or may have dementia.
It’s an environment where other people understand the challenges and changes of life with dementia.
‘‘You make some new friends with other people in a similar situation,’’ she said.
‘‘Basically they just interact with each other. A field worker is here for support or information if they need it.’’
Alz Cafe is also a place where anyone with concerns about memory loss, not necessarily with an official diagnosis, can get information informally.
The memory cafe started about 13 years ago, but attendance dwindled until it stopped about three months ago.
‘‘We want husbands and wives, or partners, a daughter with her dad, to talk with other people in the same boat.’’
Gatherings take place on the last Wednesday of each month starting at 10am.
September is Alzheimers Awareness Month and so the first cafe is free, but people are asked to bring $7.50 each to cover a hot drink and scone thereafter.
Ana Parks manager said the invitation to Alz Cafe was broad.
‘‘This is part of our living well with dementia programme supporting people affected by dementia to stay connected with and supported by their community.
‘‘The cafe is being dementia friendly by offering its venue and inviting us to come along here.
‘‘This is something that we want to encourage,’’ she said.
The Tea House On The Lake manager Corrie Paice was delighted to support Alzheimers Taranaki with the cafe. ‘‘I liked the idea of it and bringing people together,’’ she said.
People can reduce the risk of having dementia by:
❚ Looking after your heart.
❚ Being physically active.
❚ Following a healthy diet.
❚ Challenging your brain.
❚ Enjoying social activity.