Experiencing memory loss, or caring for someone with memory loss, can be overwhelming. A new monthly meeting held at R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury aims to provide support to individuals with memory loss and their caregivers.

Stillwater-based FamilyMeans is hosting the first Washington County Memory Café on July 10, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the library. The program will be held each month on the second Monday of the month.  If you plan to attend, you can expect an inclusive and welcoming environment, where dementia and memory loss are spoken about openly. It is an informal and relaxed setting, which helps people experience a sense of normalcy and belonging. Funding to support Washington County Memory Cafes is provided in part by the Washington County Local Public Health Grant.

The Memory Café model was developed in the Netherlands in the late 1990s. The idea to host a Washington County Memory Café came after FamilyMeans heard interest from their clients in having more community-based, early-stage dementia programs.

According to FamilyMeans, the total number of Washington County residents over the age of 65 is expected to grow 70 percent between 2015 and 2030, while the population between ages 0-64 will grow just 5 percent. Caregivers have higher level of depression and are twice as likely to experience chronic illness as non-caregivers. Having a comforting, supportive space to learn from peers and share experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation and overwhelm.

Click here for more information about registering for a Memory Café.