Memory Café Offers Social and Educational Activities for Those Living with Dementias
Fort Myers and Cape Coral Locations Open in September (Fort Myers, Fla. – Aug. 23, 2017) — Lee Health is teaming up with the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center,…
Fort Myers and Cape Coral Locations Open in September
(Fort Myers, Fla. – Aug. 23, 2017) --- Lee Health is teaming up with the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast University and Keiser University to create and host Memory Café, a monthly gathering for those living with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Caregivers are also invited to participate.
“The gatherings provide a social outlet and opportunities to meet people, learn something new and participate in activities, such as dancing, journaling, or arts and crafts,” explains Molly Grubbs, director, Lee Health’s Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point. “Living with, as well as caring for someone with cognitive impairments and/or dementia can be challenging. Through Memory Café, Lee Health wants to create a way to support both the patient and the caregiver in a fun, relaxed and friendly way.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, research shows that people who regularly engage in social interaction maintain their brain vitality. The Association also reports that additional research found that sports, cultural activities, emotional support and close personal relationships appear to have a protective effect against dementia. For those already living with cognitive impairments, the social activities create positive experiences and can help reduce stress, agitation and restlessness.
Lee Health is providing the space for the gatherings, while the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center and the Alzheimer’s Association are providing resources and support. Florida Gulf Coast University students will participate as a course-based, service-learning activity, which will enhance their understanding of older adults and those living with dementias. Keiser University will track and measure outcomes regarding whether participants feel more socially engaged with others and if the gatherings make attendees feel less socially isolated from others.
The Memory Café will meet at Cape Coral Hospital in Classroom A on the second Friday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon, starting on Sept. 8. There will also be a Memory Café at Lee Health’s Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point (23190 Fashion Drive, Suite 105, Estero) on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon, starting on Sept. 16.
For more information, call Lee Health’s Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point at 239-495-4475.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Formerly known as Lee Memorial Health System, the organization began its second century of service with a new name in 2016. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org
