Two memory cafés in the Twin Cities were created in the past two years to offer support to those with dementia and their family members or care partners. Emerald Crest, Augustana Open Circle and Augustana Chapel View have played major roles in this effort.
Hopkins Memory Café
In 2017, Augustana Care joined with ACT on Alzheimer’s – Minnesota to help make Hopkins a dementia-friendly community. The Hopkins ACTion team conducted 60 interviews to determine strengths and gaps in services for older adults in the area. The team then began to implement projects based on interview results.
Hopkins residents can attend free events including information sessions, caregiver support workshops and a film, Every Minute Counts. Plans include creating memory-minder kits to be donated to service organizations and the library and inviting city employees to a Dementia Friends session.
In addition, a new memory café was created to provide support, opportunities to socialize and fellowship for people with dementia and their caregivers. Activities include reminiscences, memory games and discussions that are relevant to caregivers, including shared experiences and resources such as adult day services or memory care.
The memory café is powered by the Hopkins ACT on Alzheimer’s Action Team; the Hopkins Library; Hennepin County; Augustana Care Services and Communities; Chapel View Health Care Center; Emerald Crest of Minnetonka and Augustana Open Circle.
For more details and news stories, please visit this page.
Shakopee Memory Café
A new memory café opened in September 2018 at the Shakopee Community Center as well. All Saints Senior Living partnered with Emerald Crest by Augustana Care to bring the memory café to Shakopee once a month. You can read more about it in the Shakopee Valley News.
Memory cafes are especially focused on care partners whose loved ones live at home. By providing support and resources, memory cafes help care partners and family members feel less isolated. The cafes offer opportunities to be with peers who are experiencing similar issues. Cafes also provide an environment that is relaxed and fun, while also offering a support network.
Shakopee memory café programs are held the last Tuesday of each month from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Shakopee Community Center, 1455 Fuller Street South, Shakopee. Attendance is free to the public.
The memory café is supported by All Saints Senior Living, Emerald Crest by Augustana-Elim Care and Shakopee Parks and Recreation. For more information, please call 952-233-9516.
