We’ve seen pop up cocktail bars and ice skating rinks. Now Victoria is trialling a pop up dementia café which may soon become a permanent feature of our Aussie coffee culture!
‘Memory lane cafes’ also known as ‘Alzheimer’s’ or Dementia Cafes,’ originated in the Netherlands in 1997 in a bid to offer those living with dementia a comfortable location to socialise, and to provide carers an environment in which to relax.
According to Alzheimer’s Australia, Dementia is the “loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning” and there are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
As reported in a study conducted by the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, USA, these cafés are beneficial, for they promote a sense of “normalcy,” providing those living with dementia a non-judgmental environment to feel happy and establish a sense of connectedness the community.
In 2003, both the Federal and Victorian Governments began funding this initiative under the Home and Community Care Program (HACC), and there are now several cafés available in both regional and metropolitan areas throughout Victoria.
In a media release issued by Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria, CEO Maree McCabe said, “The Memory Lane Cafe is a great example of the work we, as an organisation, are doing to make a difference to the lives of those impacted by dementia. It all began over in Jells Park back in 2002. Over the years, due to the success of the initiative, we have expanded into other areas, and today we run café style support programs in 13 locations across the State.”
The estimated 353,800 Aussies living with dementia are set to benefit from this groundbreaking initiative designed to improve the live by those affected by this disease.