A CAFE WITH HEART
Angi Mccluskey has changed the lives of hundreds of WA couples living with dementia
Everything can be solved with a good cuppa and a chat. This has been Angi Mccluskey’s guiding comfort ever since her husband Michael was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s seven years ago, aged 65.
The couple, now both 72, were rocked by the diagnosis and struggled when long-time friends didn’t know how to respond to Michael’s changing condition.
“It’s deeply traumatic, you don’t know what to do and after a diagnosis, you’re virtually on your own,” Angi tells Woman’s Day. “You’re told there’s a booklet you can read and workshops you can attend but I couldn’t go to anything because I couldn’t leave Michael on his own.
“He was always outgoing, gregarious, the life and soul of the party and suddenly he started to decline.”
Angi found comfort, understanding and a lot of laughter while sharing a cup of tea with carers and loved ones with dementia in a “Memory Cafe” she set up – a tranquil space to meet in a local garden tearoom.
Angi launched the first Forget Me Not Memory Cafe meet-up in Roleystone, WA, in February 2018 after searching for a safe, non-judgemental place she could go with Michael. “I thought we couldn’t be the only ones like this and that there must be so many other people who were withdrawing into themselves like we were.”
Five years on, there are now more than 20 cafes operating across the state, with about 30 people attending each catch-up for a coffee, tea and good chinwag.
“People sit and laugh and have a lovely time. We have tabletop activities like puzzles and brainteasers and therapy pets,” she says.
‘After a diagnosis, you’re virtually on your own’
Teenage sweethearts, Angi and Michael have been inseparable since they married at 18. Their love of dancing continued throughout their marriage as they raised their three children.
Sadly, Michael has recently been placed into residential care while his symptoms have deteriorated and he has become non-verbal and immobile.
Angi visits him every day.
“He’s in there somewhere,” she smiles. “Michael always had gorgeous, smiling blue eyes and sometimes you see that glint and he gives a little chuckle and that makes it all worthwhile.”