Memory Cafe to aid Alzheimer’s patients
DHA initiative will provide expertise and support to patients, caregivers
Dubai has launched a ‘Memory Cafe’ for families of patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as a support group that will meet on a monthly basis to share experiences, expertise and provide support for patients and caregivers.
The cafe has been launched by the Seniors’ Happiness Centre, an initiative of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
The initiative will help family members provide the best possible care for patients as well as help boost the morale of patients battling this disease.
Relaxed setting
Once a month, health care practitioners from the centre will meet with caregivers and patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia at the Memory Cafe.
Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi, geriatrician and director of the centre, said: “The Memory Cafe is an informal and relaxed setting and will encourage active participation and conversations.
“The initiative will help family members provide the best possible care for patients as well as help boost the morale of patients battling this disease. The aim is to provide emotional, educational, and social support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.”
She added: “Often we find that as health professionals we also get valuable information from caregivers so the information exchange will be both ways. This kind of active learning, support and encouragement in a relaxed setting will benefit both patients and their caregivers.”
The Seniors’ Happiness Centre is the only centre of its kind for the elderly in the emirate, providing a host of inpatient and outpatient geriatric and rehabilitation services.
Al Suwaidi said: “Support groups are particularly important for this disease because presently there is still no curative therapy available.”
Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi | Director, Seniors’ Happiness Centre