Children's Museum of NH Launches Alzheimer's Café

For over twenty years, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has prided itself on being a place where memories are made. Now, they’re doing their part to help those struggling with Alzheimer’s hold onto them longer.

On October 20th, the Museum -- located in Dover -- will launch “Alzheimer’s Café,” a monthly event designed to help those living with the disease relax and socialize in a friendly, non-clinical setting.

The first of its kind in the Eastern United States, the Cafés will be held on the third Thursday of each month.

The concept of offering social gatherings as Alzheimer’s therapy began in Europe, where doctors routinely employ interpersonal interaction as a way of staving off the kind of degeneration that often results from isolation.

“People often find themselves feeling depressed and self-conscious after being diagnosed, and the people in their support network may also feel in need of support,” says Paula Rais, Director of Community Engagement for the Children’s Museum. “Having a regular place to go and meet others in a purely social setting each month can provide a welcome destination with an understanding community of people.”

While similar programs eventually made their way across the Atlantic – California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Nova Scotia, for example – the Children’s Museum’s Alzheimer’s Café will be the first of its kind anywhere in the region.

Traditionally, settings for Alzheimer’s support events tend to be those which offer a stimulating, engaging atmosphere: theatres, historic buildings, restaurants, and the like. The Children’s Museum will be no exception.

“We feel that our Museum is an ideal place for an Alzheimer’s Café,” said Rais. “We know that intergenerational experiences are beneficial for all ages, and our Museum is designed to be engaging for adults as well as children. A lot of our elders didn’t have the experience of going to a children’s museum as a child, so these visits give them the opportunity for stimulating discussion and reflection.”

The launch of the Alzheimer’s Café follows on the heels of another successful community initiative: Exploring Our Way, the Museum’s Autism Partnership Program. Since launching in last March, the program – held on the second Sunday of each month, with the Museum being closed to the public – offers families the chance to explore the Museum together with help support from museum staff and trained volunteers.

Open year-round, the Museum works closely with schools, social service agencies and educators. The Museum also hosts a variety of live performances workshops, classes and special events for families.

Reservations for Alzheimer’s Café are not required, and there is no cost to attend, although donations will be accepted.

For more information about the Alzheimer's Café or Exploring Our Way, please contact Paula Rais via email at paula@childrens-museum.org or by phone at (603) 742-2002.