One of the many activities hosted by the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre is Memory Café, a light exercise and socializing opportunity for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Created in 2017, the program is modelled after the BC Alzheimer Society’s “Minds in Motion” program (unavailable on the Sunshine Coast since the Covid pandemic) and was adopted by the SSAC in 2019. It is facilitated by founding members, Brian Smith and Rosella Leslie, both former caregivers.
Many people suffering from dementia are fearful of meeting new people or participating in group activities. Some are embarrassed by their memory loss or overwhelmed by conversations that proceed too rapidly for them to keep up, and as a result they begin to avoid social situations, isolating both themselves and the person caring for them. Memory Café is designed so that everyone can enjoy, understand and keep up with conversations and activities.
The program begins with an hour of seated yoga, led by yoga instructor, Bobbie Seale-Cobiskey, and one hour of social activities where participants enjoy a beverage and cookies, listen to a short but informative talk, share news of something that happened during the past week, and play games. Every other week, musician Vicky Beeman leads a sing-along, and occasionally the group goes on a bus trip, or picnic, or has a seasonal potluck celebration.
“Memory Café means belonging and acceptance for my mother and me at every stage of our journey together,” says Christine Wood, a Sechelt caregiver whose mother is in the late middle stage of dementia. “It’s literally the only place where I feel like I don’t have to explain or apologize for my Mom because I know the other members get it. For two hours a week we can just rest in that understanding, focus on our physical health through chair yoga and our mental health through games, song and discussions that have introduced me to other supports in the community that I wouldn’t have accessed otherwise. I’m so thankful we found Memory Café! I don’t know where we would be without it.”
Memory Café is held every Tuesday morning from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The cost is $6 per session for the person with dementia, but there is no cost for their caregiver. The program ends just in time to get your order in for one of Emily’s fabulous lunches.
For more information contact the Seniors Centre (604-885-3513) and leave a message for Rosella Leslie/Brian Smith Memory Café facilitators.
