Connecting Over Coffee – A Community for People Living With Dementia

Lifeview Residential Care is launching it’s very first dementia café, Rosemary & Time, on Tuesday 9 July, at ConXion Café, located within its Cranbourne home, Lifeview Willow Wood.

The Rosemary & Time Cafe will provide an opportunity for people living with dementia and their family members to enjoy time together over refreshments and entertainment, in the company of people in a similar situation to themselves.

The café also provides a soft introduction to a number of support services available, which some people may be reluctant to access, as well as tips and hints on different issues such as nutrition, falls prevention, sundowning and respite services.

Lifeview Chief Executive Officer, Madeline Gall, says “Going to a café is a great, non-threatening way to begin to access services, to meet people and to share experiences.

“It is a safe space for carers, who can sometimes feel anxious about taking a person living with dementia to an everyday café, to relax and enjoy the company of others, knowing they and their loved one are supported.

“Having seen the success of dementia cafes in other areas and seeing a need for services such as this locally, Lifeview is pleased to be able to bring this community-based service to the local residents of Cranbourne”, Ms. Gall added.

Dementia Australia estimates there around 440,000 people in Australia living with dementia. However, this figure doesn’t reflect the number of people who are also affected by dementia - it has a huge impact on the lives of carers and loved ones too.

Rosemary & Time Café will be held on the second Tuesday of every month with guest speakers, dementia specialists, activities, music and more. The café is free, bookings are essential and can be made by calling Kelly on (03) 9572 9600.

Find out more about Lifeview Residential Care.