What is a Memory Café?
A memory café is a social gathering for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Guest are welcome whose dementia is due to any underlying condition, and at any stage of the disease progression. Care partners can include spouses, children, friends, and professional caregivers. Cafes strive for an atmosphere that’s more like a coffee house or a neighborhood party than a clinical program. Cafes provide a break from focusing on the disease and disability.
The Nature Connection Memory Café
The Nature Connection Memory Café is all nature themed! The café is held inside our nature center filled with small animals, plants, and natural materials. Share your knowledge & learn from naturalist experts during hands-on explorations and activities each month – some examples include:
- An animal encounter with rabbits
- Exploring the frogs and salamanders of springtime vernal pools or
- Exploring & planting succulents of the desert
- Learning from nature experts about bees, fish, and more!
Give us a call at 978-369-2585 or check online for each month’s specific nature topic. There will always be variety and/or the option to just sit and enjoy the company of nature.
Logistical details
- Day/time: Third Friday of every Month, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. The date may change due to major holidays or organizational conflicts, so it’s best to call or email prior to attending the first time.
- Weather cancellations will be recorded on the event webpage and we will contact anyone who has RSVP.
- RSVPs are requested.
- Cost: Free of charge. Donations accepted.
- For more information, please contact Carol at [978-369-2585/welcome@nature-connection.org].
Download The Nature Connection’s Memory Café Flyer
For a listing of memory cafés in Massachusetts, please see: www.jfcsboston.org/MemoryCafeDirectory
Frequently Asked Questions
Do participants need to acknowledge that they have dementia? No. They will not be asked if they have a diagnosis. The environment is geared to the comfort and success of people with a wide range of cognitive capacities. The focus is socializing and creative exploration, activities common to all of us.
What disease stage is The Nature Connection Memory Café geared to? The Nature Connection Memory Café is appropriate for anyone who can negotiate the physical space (which is fully wheelchair accessible), and enjoy being in a group of people. A care partner should stay with anyone who needs assistance with ambulation, medications and/or using the restroom. Staff and volunteers will NOT be able to help with these personal care needs.
Is The Nature Connection Memory Café for care partners, too? Yes! Participants in Memory Cafes around the country often say that their favorite moments come when the person with dementia is enlivened by social interaction or arts activities, creating a sense of reconnection and closeness. Also, Memory Cafés give care partners a chance to meet and socialize with other care partners.
Could I bring a group of people from a day program or residential facility to participate? As space is limited, The Nature Connection Memory Café is not designed for groups except in specific circumstances. Please contact Carol at [978-369-2585/welcome@nature-connection.org] to discuss bringing a group.
Will you offer informational speakers about dementia/Alzheimer’s at The Nature Connection Memory Café? No. We want to give people living with Alzheimer’s/related disorders a break from focusing on the disease, and we want to welcome those who have not been diagnosed or do not acknowledge their diagnosis. However, the Café will give individuals and care partners a chance to meet others with whom they may choose to share resources and support.
