Avondale Library to Begin Memory Café for Dementia Patients & Families

 

Avondale Regional Library is beginning an Avondale Memory Café in early 2024 to help families caring for loved ones dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

A memory café offers dementia patients and their caregivers the opportunity to enjoy social interaction in a safe, welcoming environment, said Leslie Deason, adult services outreach librarian at Avondale Library and coordinator of the new program. Research shows that social interaction benefits individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other form of dementia, or other brain disorders. 

Social group activities benefit people with dementia since they are stimulating and uplifting, Deason said. In addition, caregivers need support. At a memory café, caregivers and care recipients can socialize and connect with others in similar situations. One of the most important outcomes of memory cafes are the friendships that are formed. 

This is a drop-in program and no pre-registration is required. New attendees are welcome to drop-in to the program. However, registration is encouraged before the first visit to make sure participants understand the purpose and guidelines. 

 Avondale Regional Library is encouraging families dealing with dementia to contact the library if interested in participating in this program. For more information, contact Leslie Deason via phone at 205-226-4000 or email Leslie.deason@cobpl.org. When you speak to Deason, please share your name and phone number, and share thoughts on dates and times that work best for participants.

Avondale Regional Library plans to begin its Avondale Memory Cafe sometime in early 2024 after getting feedback on the program.

By Leslie Deason, Outreach Librarian Adult Services,  Avondale Regional Library