Memory Cafe Comes to Oconto County

The Wolf River Dementia and Caregiver Network is made up of partners in health fields, businesses, and church organizations with the mission of bringing together individuals and resources to assist, educate, and empower our communities to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by issues of aging, dementia and/or caregiving. The Dementia and Caregiver Network is funded by the Forget Me Not Fund which serves Oconto, Shawano, and Menominee counties and the Menominee and Stockbridge-Munsee tribes in building dementia-friendly communities.

A dementia-friendly community is a place where individuals with dementia have the ability to remain as independent as possible. They continue to be part of their communities, are met with understanding, and are given support along with support for their caregivers. The Network is working hard to establish a Memory Café in Oconto County.

A Memory Café is a uniquely structured social gathering that provides opportunities for individuals with dementia, along with their families, friends, and caregivers, to enjoy interactions with others in a setting free from awkwardness and stigma. It is a safe environment for individuals living with dementia to meet others experiencing the same challenges and to talk openly about issues. For the caregivers, a community of support is established to help with the feelings of isolation, powerlessness, disorganization, and stress.

The Wolf River Dementia and Caregiver Network will be hosting a Memory Café on April 17th, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Hillside Assembly of God Church in Gillett, WI. Those with mild memory issues, mild cognitive issues, dementia, and their caregivers are welcome to join us for Free activities including painting, gardening, and fishing.

Caregivers can attend a free seminar featuring Teepa Snow’s teachings about positive strategies for redirections and communication as well as the chance to learn about available community resources. Caregivers may also choose to participate in activities of the Memory Cafe.

Those interested in coming, making new friends, gaining support, and learning about new resources should contact Kayla Lemorande at the Aging Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 715-526-4710 by April 3rd, 2018.