Once a month, the France Alzheimer 65 association brings everyone together for a memory café. Alzheimer’s disease affects 1 million people in France, or 8% of French people.
Every day, the France Alzheimer association offers numerous activities such as the memory café. But what is a memory café?
“The memory café is a moment open to all.” Explains Flavie Godelu, psychologist for France Alzheimer Tarbes. “Member or not, aided or caregiver, curious, the aim of this moment is to offer a friendly, non-medical and warm moment to talk about the illness. We address the daily difficulty, the role of the caregiver or even the place of the institution through daily discussions such as the end of year celebrations. This way, we can see the illness differently, without complexes.
And the process works well. In a banal conversation, the participant easily addresses their worries as a patient or caregiver.
“This memory coffee does me a lot of good.” Explains Roger, a helper. “I take the time to verbalize points about my illness, to take a different look at it. So I can better control my flaws and my daily behaviors.”
And the caregivers are not left alone. “This moment makes me feel good.” Adds Roselyne, caregiver. “We talk. We laugh. And I even take the time to check in with Roger when we get home.”
Note that the next memory cafés will take place on February 14, March 14, April 4, May 16, June 20 and July 11 at 2 p.m. at Melting Potes.
Health
