Local retirement village launches Forget-Me-Not cafe to support people with dementia in Jurien Bay

A local retirement village is creating an inclusive space for customers with dementia and their family with residents launching a cafe on site. The Acacia Living Group Jurien Bay Village has joined with the Forget-me-not Dementia Support Association, launching its own Forget Me Not Cafe last month. Village manager Irene Conner said the cafe was created because of a lack of social options for those with dementia in the community. “There are a lot of cafes in Jurien Bay but they are all based around tourism and aren’t accessible or comfortable for people with dementia,” she said. “This is like a cafe within a cafe really — customers can come along and there are different things on the tables like colouring-in activities and fiddle mats.” Jurien Bay Village social club secretary and resident Amanda Wallis said it was something the club felt would make a difference within the village and the local community. “Some people feel stressed and horrible with dementia and they withdraw from society so it’s nice for them to come out and feel supported,” she said. “There were customers with dementia that attended with their family and carers and they just absolutely loved it. “I know for the carers it’s a huge job so this is also a place where they can come to relax and just be themselves for a while. “For people with dementia, it’s not the end of their life it’s just a different path and journey they are taking.” Going beyond just serving coffee and cake, the social club and volunteers also stay connected making regular phone calls to the customers with dementia. The Forget-Me-Not cafe at Reflections Cafe will be running every third Friday of the month, welcoming the public at their next event on Friday, November 18.