Riverside Brings Memory Cafes to the Shore

ONANCOCK, Virginia – Riverside Health’s Martha W. Goodson Center is bringing Memory Cafes to the Eastern Shore beginning October 16, 2024 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at the Eastern Shore Public Library in Parksley. 

Memory Cafes are a unique program that creates highly beneficial social gathering opportunities for those affected by memory loss and those who help care for a loved one with memory loss.  The program provides a safe and informal environment where guests can laugh, learn and remain socially engaged with others traveling the same journey. 

Each Café offers guests enjoyable activities that change from month to month.  Trained volunteers facilitate unstructured conversation, introductions to others with similar experience and light refreshments. 

The Cafes are an award-winning idea already in place in Williamsburg, Gloucester and Yorktown. 

“The Café is a simple concept, yet it continues to provide so much for a population of people who are often forgotten,” wrote a caregiver who attended Williamsburg Memory Café meetings with his wife who was living with dementia.  “She loved being with this group of people that showed her so much care and acceptance.  The meetings also gave me a chance to talk with others and learn from their experience.”

In another letter of support, a wife struggling with her dementia diagnosis described how well the non-structured environment of the Café served her and her husband.  “For us, it’s a great place to leave your worries at the door, relax and socialize,” she explained.  “We talk about vacations, restaurants and wineries.  We laugh and we cry.  We’ve made new friends.”

The Cafes are free of charge to all guests, and will take place monthly on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Eastern Shore Public Library in Parksley.  RSVPs are not required.  For more information email MWGCenter@rivhs.com.