WHIPPANY, NJ — Jewish Family Service of MetroWest has been awarded a grant from the HealthCare Foundation to open a Memory Cafe in Whippany. The Memory Cafe provides individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and their care partners a casual time to enjoy social activities and refreshments; the cafe allows caregivers a chance to share mutual support and exchange information.
Social worker Siobhan Higgins, the Memory Cafe coordinator, has extensive experience working with older adults and families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“Many caregivers would like to reach out for community support but feel uncomfortable leaving their loved one with dementia,” Higgins said. “Unlike traditional support groups, the cafe provides an experience for both the caregiver and the loved one. The family caregiver can receive the peer support they long for without the worry of making other arrangements for their loved one. It is a welcoming place for those who find themselves challenged in a similar manner to make connections.”
The Memory Cafe program is held the first Thursday of each month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Lester Senior Housing Community, located at 905 NJ-10 in Whippany. Refreshments, entertainment and activities are offered. On-site parking is available. Each month there will be a different activity highlighted. Registration is requested for this free meeting; call 973-765-9050, ext. 1763, to make your reservation.
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