A new weekly program, the Memory Café, is designed to provide a welcoming space for individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers to enjoy social interaction and support.
Developed by professors Mary Jo Archambault and Tarah Loy-Ashe, who lead Southern’s recreation therapy program, the café is designed to foster connection, ease the emotional burden of caregiving, and create a sense of belonging for all who attend.
“Caregiving can be very difficult; connecting with others is always important, so we will welcome anyone,” Archambault said.
Loy-Ashe added that the initiative was inspired by the need to support both caregivers and those they care for. “We really want individuals to meet others that they would have similarities with and be able to cultivate friendships — and potentially lifelong friendships,” she said.
Students from Southern’s recreation therapy program are volunteering each week, helping to lead activities that promote engagement, stimulate memory, and improve quality of life.
“We are going to be working with the loved ones — doing recreation and leisure activities with them, working on their engagement, their social skills, their quality of life, and making them feel like a part of a community,” said Angelina Alarcon, a senior majoring in recreation therapy.
The café also offers caregivers time to relax, socialize, and connect with others who share similar experiences. “When you’re a full-time caregiver, you shy away from things you used to do — you don’t have time to stay connected with other people,” Archambault said. “We’re also hoping with this memory café that we can bring caregivers together so that they have a supported community.”
The Memory Café meets weekly through mid-November at the College of Health and Human Services building, located off Fitch Street in New Haven. An open house will take place Oct. 14 at 3:30 p.m., and local families are encouraged to attend and learn more.
For more information, contact Professor Tarah Loy-Ashe at loyashet1@southernct.edu.
