The Alzheimer Society’s popular Social Café program is on the move this September. The social program, currently held at Hazel Place in Simcoe, is expanding this Fall with options for people to attend the group in Waterford, Delhi, Port Dover, as well as Simcoe. The Social Café is a free weekly program where persons living with dementia and their guest can chat, enjoy a coffee, and engage in different games and activities.
A person living with dementia and their care partners often experience social isolation through the dementia journey. “The Social Cafe is designed to keep people socializing and engaging with each other. It is about having good times together and having fun, not worrying about how things might be changing. Social programs give people living with dementia a safe place to be themselves. It is about remaining connected with others and the community despite a diagnosis of dementia.” says Laurie Ball, Social Programs Coordinator for Brant Haldimand Norfolk.
Research shows that social interaction is important in slowing the progression of dementia and it helps to reduce negative attitudes and stigma that people often experience.
In partnership with Norfolk County and Port Dover Lions, the Social Café program will happen at a different location on Tuesdays from 2:00-3:30pm:
Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (1st Tuesday)
Delhi Friendship Centre (2nd Tuesday)
Port Dover Lions Silver Lake Market (3rd Tuesday)
Hazel Place (4th Tuesday)
This is just the start of more partnerships to come which will help to make Norfolk County a more Dementia Friendly Community. For more information about Social Café’s and other programs offered by the Alzheimer Society, visit www.alzda.ca or call 1-800-565-4614.
