Connection, creativity, and community are at the heart of Southern Connecticut State University’s Memory Café, which brings together individuals living with dementia and their caregivers in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Housed within the College of Health and Human Services’ Institute for Adapted Sports and Recreation, the program uses recreational therapy to reduce social isolation and support quality of life. Weekly sessions include refreshments and activities centered on social engagement, creativity, and physical activity, while caregivers have opportunities to connect in a supportive space.
The program is led by Tarah Loy-Ashe, associate professor and graduate program coordinator for Recreation Therapy and Child Life. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Loy-Ashe has 18 years of experience working with individuals living with dementia. The Memory Café also provides hands-on training and programming opportunities for Southern’s recreational therapy students.
“We do a lot of expressive art, but we’ve also done different activities involving music,” Loy-Ashe told WTNH News 8. “We’ve done drumming circles, we’ve done reminisce, trivia, and some other physical activities as well, so there’s a broad array of activities that we do.”
The Memory Café runs weekly through Nov. 17 at Southern’s College of Health and Human Services.
Media Coverage
WTNH News 8: Memory Cafe returns to Southern Connecticut State
Hartford Courant: This free CT ‘cafe’ offers refreshments. But it’s got much more for those dealing with a devastating illness.
