Barrington Area Council on Aging hosts Memory Café

The Barrington Area Council on Aging hosts Memory Café from 10 a.m.-noon the third Wednesday of each month, providing socialization for people with mild or early-stage memory loss and their care companions.

Social Service coordinators will host this program at the Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main St., Barrington, and will provide leadership and direction.

This is a free program thanks to generous donors, but you do need reservations. Call Bonnie or Sue at (847) 381-5030 to make your reservations and get more information. The Memory Café is another #agingbetter program from the Council on Aging.

The challenges of living with memory loss can sever social connections at a time when they are needed most. Memory Café is a place where people can relax and enjoy themselves and know that no one judges them.

Both participants and care companions get the opportunity to socialize and participate in fun activities together while making new friendships and offering support to one another. Café members will determine if they want speakers or an educational component. Special activities could include outings to the theater, museums, and/or restaurants. This program is organized and supervised by trained and caring Council on Aging staff and volunteers.

Potential participants and their caregivers will be asked to preregister to determine their appropriateness for the program. Participants will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.

If it is determined that the participant is no longer a good fit for the program, the facilitator will help the caregiver and family with the transition to a program that will better meet their needs.

Primary goals for Memory Café include:

• To provide persons with mild cognitive impairments and their care companions the opportunity to join a program that enables them to socialize with other people in a fun environment.

• To involve agencies, churches, and other community organizations to help serve people with mild cognitive impairment and their care companions.

• To offer care companions access to resources such as support groups and information and referral services.

There is no charge for this program, but register at (847) 381-5030.