As we age, staying socially connected and mentally engaged becomes more important than ever. For many older adults and people experiencing memory changes, finding safe and welcoming spaces to connect can be difficult. That’s where Connections Cafes, also known as Memory Cafes, come in.
What Is a Connections Cafe?
A Connections Cafe is a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental place where people can come together to support brain health. These gatherings are dementia-friendly, meaning they are designed to be comfortable and inclusive for people living with dementia, as well as their care partners, family members, and friends.
You do not need a diagnosis of dementia to attend. Anyone who wants to stay socially connected, support their brain health, or learn more about dementia is welcome.
Why Are Connections Cafes Important?
A Connections Cafe is a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental place where people can come together to support brain health. These gatherings are dementia-friendly, meaning they are designed to be comfortable and inclusive for people living with dementia, as well as their care partners, family members, and friends.
You do not need a diagnosis of dementia to attend. Anyone who wants to stay socially connected, support their brain health, or learn more about dementia is welcome.
Support for Care Partners Matters Too
Connections Cafes are not just for people living with dementia. They are just as important for care partners.
Caring for someone with dementia can be stressful and emotionally demanding. These cafes give care partners a chance to:
- Connect with others who understand their experience
- Share ideas and encouragement
- Learn about helpful resources
- Take a break from feeling like they have to do everything alone
Many care partners find that simply talking with others in a similar situation can be incredibly reassuring.
What Happens at a Connections Cafe?
Every Connections Cafe is a little different, but all focus on engagement, connection, and fun. Activities are designed to be enjoyable and accessible and may include:
- Casual conversation over coffee or snacks
- Music, games, or crafts
- Light movement or guided activities
- Structured or unstructured social time
Some cafes feel just like sitting down with friends at a coffee shop, while others include planned activities that encourage participation and creativity.
When Is the Best Time to Attend?
Social isolation can affect people during all stages of dementia, as well as their care partners. While many people find they enjoy Connections Cafes most during the early to mid stages of dementia, everyone’s experience is different.
There is no “right time” to attend. If the cafe feels helpful and welcoming, it is the right time.
There is no single right time to attend. If a cafe feels supportive and welcoming, it is a good time to join. To help you get started, here is a list of upcoming cafe dates and locations.
Westminster Village 5th Floor
(First Monday)
10-11:30 AM
January 5th, February 2nd, March 2nd, April 6th, May 4th, June 1
Vigo County Public Library
(Second Tuesday)
10-11:30 AM
January 13th, February 10th, March 10th, April 14th, May 12th, June 9th
Aragon Apartments Community Room
(Third Monday)
1500 N 7th Street
Clinton, IN
1 PM
January 19th, February 16th, March 16th, April 20th, May 18th, June 15th
Burnett Manor
(Third Wednesday)
315 E Stark Street
Rockville, IN
2-3 PM
January 21st, February 18th, March 18th, April 15th, May 20th, June 17th
Putnam County Senior Center:
9 W. Franklin St.
(Third Thursday) Chair Exercise at 9:00AM
Connections Café at 10:00 AM
January 15th, February 19th, March 19th, April 16th, May 21st, June 18th
Will I Be Asked About My Diagnosis?
No. Attendees are never asked about their diagnosis. You do not need to share personal medical information to participate. The focus is on connection, not labels.
How Can I Learn More?
For more information about Connections Cafes in West Central Indiana, contact:
Amy Schorr, Dementia Outreach Specialist
812-238-1561 ext. 260
You can also visit www.dementiafriendsindiana.org to learn more about Memory Cafes across Indiana.
