Cafe an inclusive, relaxing space for people with dementia, carers

A local retirement village is creating an inclusive and relaxing space for customers with dementia and their family or carers, with residents launching a dementia cafe onsite.

The Acacia Living Group Jurien Bay Village has joined with the Forget-me-not Dementia Support Association, launching its own Forget-me-not Café.

“There are a lot of cafes in Jurien Bay but they are all based around tourism and aren’t accessible or comfortable for people with dementia,” said Irene Conner, Jurien Bay Village Manager.

“This is like a cafe within a cafe really — customers can come along and there are different things on the tables like colouring-in activities and fiddle mats.”

Jurien Bay Village Social Club Secretary and resident Amanda Wallis said it was something the club felt would make a difference within the village and local community.

“I know for the carers it’s a huge job so this is also a place where they can come to relax and just be themselves for a while.”

Going beyond just serving coffee and cake, Wallis and the volunteers also stay connected making regular phone calls to the customers with dementia.

“We can ring them and let them know when the next cafe is on and see how they are going. For people with dementia, it’s not the end of their life it’s just a different path and journey they are taking. Some people feel stressed and horrible with it and they withdraw from society so it’s nice for them to come out and feel supported,” Wallis said.

Image credit: Supplied