The Memory Café held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Inverloch Uniting Church has been warmly welcomed by those with memory problems.
Retirement communities such as Inverloch are increasingly having to deal with memory issues according to Uniting Church Memory Café volunteer Bev Phillips.
“Although café participants tend to be of an older age, our group is open to the whole community. We’re here to help anyone with memory problems.”
Pastoral Care Coordinator Janet Snashall-Woodhams said a need was identified in the church community, and the wider community for help with memory problems.
“It’s a retirement community and a lot of people live with memory loss.”
Setting up a café to support people in the whole community was very much something the members of the Uniting Church in Inverloch thought they could do.
“It’s inclusive,” said Janet.
Speakers are invited to the café on a monthly basis to discuss cognitive difficulties and tables are kept small to encourage conversations.
“It’s not only memory loss,” said Janet.
“It includes those who may have lost cognitive functions.”
“Remember we’re all getting a bit older,” said Bev Phillips.
Bev’s advice is to do crosswords, exercise and keep connected socially.
“Making friendships to preserve our memory.”
Dementia Awareness and Support worker Jarja Hartley said talking helps.
“Within the ageing community many people are reluctant to seek out services.”
“We can help them connect with My Aged Care providers.”
Music and entertainment is planned for the café in the new year.
The Wonthaggi and Inverloch Uniting Church memory café can be found on Facebook.
