About Memory Cafés
Do you or a loved one have memory loss? Imagine a community of individuals experiencing memory loss actively engaging in singing, games, activities, conversation, and creative fun. Memory Cafés provide an innovative form of social engagement for people living with dementia, cognitive decline, or other forms of memory loss.
This engaging experience is designed to be enjoyed by those with memory loss as well as their care partners, family, and friends. Memory Cafés create a rich, diverse environment where friendships are built and enjoyed among all those experiencing the journey of memory loss.
What to Expect at a Memory Café
Memory Cafés consist of facilitated activities, informal conversation, and light refreshments. There is no cost to participate. Designed to be interactive, Memory Cafés allow for the person with memory loss and their care partner to interact in ways they had prior to the memory loss. Café themes have included guest speakers and presentations, musical performances, art projects, and games and activities that engage those with memory loss. An experienced facilitator and additional volunteers lead the cafés. The settings are relaxed and comfortable with accessibility for those with mobility limitations. The environment and activities are optimized to help people with memory loss engage in the social gathering. Please visit our Gallery for great photos of our Memory Cafés!
What are the results of participating?
Based on survey data from café attendees, they report that cafés aid in combating a major challenge in living with memory loss or caring for someone living with memory loss – social isolation. They also state that the café activities often help with recall of personal memories and provide engaging opportunities that are not otherwise available due to memory loss. Memory Cafés also provide family and care partners with a shared experience and fosters meaningful connections among loved ones and friends.
How did Memory Cafès start?
Memory Cafés were developed in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and have been found to reduce social isolation, provide enjoyable interaction without stigma, act as an entry point for needed resources, and offer access to education and information throughout each person’s memory loss journey.
Memory Café Locations
Questions? Call 920-225-1711 or e-mail [email protected]
Appleton
Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N Meade Street, Appleton – Thursday, April 4– 1:30p
April is National Kite Month. We’ll be joined by members of the Wisconsin Kiters Club, who will guide us in learning about kites and making our own to take home! Please join us to have some fun and share some memories and our own kiting.
Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton – Wednesday, April 10 – 10:00a
Dance into spring with the lively tunes of Fran and Jo Ann Ebben, letting their melodies bloom alongside the cheerful riot of springtime flowers!
Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N Meade Street, Appleton – Thursday, April 18 – 1:30p
“Spring Blossoms”… watercolor with Tabetha! Join in the fun and learn a few new painting techniques!
Brillion
AriensCo Museum, 109 Calumet St, Brillion
Cancelled, Returning in the fall.
Chilton
Ledge View Nature Center, W2348 Short Road, Chilton – Tuesday, April 9 – 1:30p
Signs of Spring – April showers bring May flowers – Come learn about the bounty of Spring’s wildflowers in bloom!
Freedom
Buzz’s Pub & Grill, W2116 County Rd S, Freedom – Thursday, April 18 – 10:30a
Celebrate Earth Day making seed bombs, learn about recycling, and participate in a spring bingo game!
Fremont
Neuschafer Community Library of Fremont, 317 Wolf River Dr, Fremont – Monday, April 1 – 1:30p
Pop, pop, hooray! Join us at our Memory Café for a bingo bash with a side of popcorn! Get ready to shout ‘Bingo!’ and savor the crunch of delicious popcorn!
Greenville
Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Road, Greenville – Wednesday, April 3 – 1:30p
Walk to Wellness. Learn about the benefits of walking by incorporating it into your day. Even if you find yourself chair bound, learn the way to make this movement work for you and reap all the rewards for your body. This class is for all levels of exercisers.
Kaukauna
Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany Road, Suite 200, Kaukauna – Monday, April 8– 1:30p
Join us at the library for an April themed game of Bingo. We’ll have some fun spring prizes along with a few special treats. Good luck.
Kimberly
Heart of the Valley YMCA, 225 W Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly
Cancelled, returning in July.
Kimberly Public Library, 515 W. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly – Wednesday, April 24 – 1:30 p
Tragedy and Triumphs: The Women of Hearthstone. The Hearthstone Museum will share stories of compelling local women.
Menasha
Menasha Senior Center, 116 Main St, Menasha – Tuesday, April 23 – 1:30p
Laughter Yoga – Come laugh with us! Laughter yoga is a modern exercise that involves prolonged laughter! This technique brings more oxygen to the body and brain and makes us more energetic, reduce stress and decrease blood pressure!
Neenah
Neenah Public Library, 240 E Wisconsin Ave, Neenah – Monday, April 15 – 1:30p
Ageless Grace with Stacy Parrish. She will show us fun ways to move our bodies.
New London
Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3380 Rogers Road, New London – Wednesday, April 10 – 1:30p
All about Trapping! Local Trappers tell us their stories!
New London Senior Center, 600 W Washington Street, New London – Monday, April 22– 1:30p
To be determined.
Oshkosh
Oshkosh YMCA, 3303 W 20th Avenue, Oshkosh – Wednesday, April 3 – 1:30p
Classic Television Theme Songs – Join us for a walk down memory lane! What were some of your favorite television shows and commercials? We’ll share about our favorite shows and commercials, play TV theme song Bingo and enjoy some retro snacks.
Oshkosh Traveling Memory Café at Planet Perk Coffee House, 100 City Center C, Oshkosh – Wednesday, April 17 – 1:30p
The “I am fabulous” class, focuses on emotional well-being. Demonstration on applying oils to Chakra energy points throughout the body. Areas of focus: overwhelmed, self-esteem, clarity & vision, and projection.
Waupaca
Waupaca Fox Valley Technical College, 1979 Godfrey Dr, Waupaca – Monday, April 8 1:30p
To be determined.