Lakeland PBS
❤ Donate
  • Home
  • Support
  • Watch Now
    • Livestream
    • Local Shows
    • Watch Online
    • Schedule
    • Our Channels
    • Web Cam
  • Lakeland News
    • News Feed
    • Featured Segments
    • Watch a News Story
    • Watch a Sports Story
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • State Legacy Funding
    • Meetings & Public Filings
    • Education
    • Employment
  • ❤ DONATE

Memory Cafe Offers Support For Those Living With Memory Loss And Caregivers

Rachel Johnson — Sep. 2 2019
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Every second Tuesday of the month, a unique “cafe” is held in Brainerd that offers a little more than just coffee and baked goods.

The Memory Cafe is free and held at Northern Lakes Senior Living every second Tuesday of the month. It invites anyone in the community who are affected by cognitive impairment or memory loss, and their caregivers.

“Memory Cafe is a place where people meet in a safe place with other people having similar experiences and just socialize and talk and to gain support from each other,” said Teresia Mortenson, who is a medical social worker and facilitates the Memory Cafe.

The idea of a Memory Cafe originated in the Netherlands by a Dutch psychiatrist.

“He started the first Memory Cafe in 1997. Since then it has spread across Europe and to the United States. I believe we have over 200 in the U.S. right now,” added Mortenson.

It was established in Baxter around three years ago. The Memory Cafe is important not only for those living with memory loss, but their caregivers as well.

“They’re taking on new roles and they’re looking to share what that experience is like. They’re offering support, sometimes resources, and sometimes just a listening ear and a lot of nodding heads that we are in it together and understand,” said Angelique Hayes, Northern Lakes Senior Living outreach director.

The Memory Cafe covers topics from eating healthy to physical activity and even brings in entertainment on occasion.

“There’s no one way that we do the Memory Cafe. It’s very casual and informal. It’s about the group, what they want to share. They kind of lead it, how much they want to talk or listen that day,” added Hayes.

Though the Memory Cafe serves different purposes for the caregivers and those affected with memory loss, it is equally beneficial.

“They just feel like they can be themselves. There’s no expectations and it’s a very casual and welcoming place. They don’t feel pressured to act or be a certain way,” Hayes added. “This is a lifeline. They use that language.”

In addition to the cafe in Baxter, a Memory Cafe is held in Pine River every fourth Tuesday of the month at Lifehouse Coffee.

Lakeland News is member supported content. Please consider supporting Lakeland News today.

Donate Today
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Rachel Johnson

By — Rachel Johnson

Lakeland News Lead Reporter

Related Posts

Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Bemidji Sees Changes for 2020

Project Lifesaver Helping Keep Families Safe in Beltrami County

Two Bemidji Organizations Receive Grants To Support People With Dementia And Their Caregivers

Fifteen Area Veterans Receive “Quilts Of Honor” In Baxter

  • Program Schedule

Get the free PBS Video App

roku
Apple TV
FireTV
AndroidTV
Google Play Store
Apple Store

Connect with Us

Watch Live News Casts

Contact Us

Directions
Submit an Event
Submit a Video or Photo
Problem with the Website
Need to contact us about something else? Please visit our contact us page for more options.

About Us

Lakeland PBS understands that the media people are exposed to make a significant impact on their lives. Our hope is that the six channels we broadcast along with our online presence provide people with media experiences that make a positive impact on their lives.

Lakeland PBS is where you want to be!

108 Grant Ave NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 | 800-292-0922
KAWE Public Profile | KAWB Public Profile | Cable Provider Channel List | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2021 Lakeland PBS. All Right Reserved.

How would you like to show your support?

Monthly Contribution

One-Time Contribution

Thank-You Gift

I would like to select a thank-you gift

No Gift

Put 100% of my gift towards programming

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.