KAKABEKA FALLS — Rural families navigating the challenges of dementia have a new resource outside the city, with monthly events starting Friday.
Several local organizations are coming together to offer a new monthly resource for people with dementia or memory loss, as well as their loved ones.
The Rural Dementia Café is a partnership between NorWest Community Health Centres and Lakehead University’s Centre for Education and Research on aging and health, with support from the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay. It’s a series of monthly gatherings held at or toward the end of each month, from February to July.
They’re taking place at the Rural 60 Plus Active Living Centre in Kakabeka Falls.
“We are thrilled to bring this vital program to Kakabeka Falls and the surrounding communities,” coordinator Elaine Peters was quoted as saying in a media release issued on Tuesday. “The Rural Dementia Café offers a much-needed space for connection, understanding and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of dementia.”
According to organizers, the gatherings are intended to be welcoming and supportive environments that offer people the chance to take part in interactive activities, such as music, art and games.
The cafés are free and there are no eligibility requirements.
According to the media release, the initiative aims to accomplish a number of things, including fostering connections and providing emotional and practical support for people affected by dementia or memory loss and their families, activities to “enhance well-being." It will offer resources to develop a network of caregivers “to provide peer support and access to essential resources,” a forum to communicate with area agencies, individuals and caregivers.
“The Rural Dementia Café is more than just a meeting space—it is a proactive step toward improving the quality of life for those affected by dementia,” the release stated. “The project is a testament to how multi-sector partnerships can foster meaningful change inside the community.”
Dates confirmed so far include:
- February 28
- March 28
- April 25
- May 28
- June 27
- July 25
