June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Health Awareness Month! It’s a time to explore brain health, volunteer or spend time with loved ones who are living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and learn more about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Living with or caring for someone with dementia can be isolating; today on the blog we’re going to explore different social programs aimed at community members with memory difficulties.
Memory Cafes– Memory cafes offer social outlets for people living with memory loss and their caregivers and/or family members.
- “Come As You Are” Memory Cafe
- Host between one and three cafes each month! See website for meeting schedule.
- Partnership between Dementia Friendly Saline and First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor.
- RSVPs are helpful but not required.
- Email Lori at [email protected] for more information or to RSVP.
- Connections Memory Café @ Chelsea Senior Center (734) 475-9242
- Meets on the first Wednesday of each month, noon-1:30pm. Click here to view their activities calendar.
- Dementia Friends Activity Group @ Saline Area Senior Center (734) 429-9274
- Informal group for those living with dementia and their caregivers/friends.
- Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 11:00am-noon.
- Memory Cafe @ Bethel United Church of Christ
- New memory cafe in Manchester!
- Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 1:00-3:00pm (will take short break after October meeting).
- For more information, contact Bethel Church at (734) 429-8530, or Betty Harper of the Bethel Hands for Local Missions at (734) 218-2988.
- Memory Cafe @ Ypsilanti Senior Center (734) 483-5014
- Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 2:00-4:00pm.
- Sign up at the front desk or call to register.
- Memory Care Cafe @ Silver Club (734) 998-9352
- Meets on the 4th Wednesday of EVERY OTHER month from 2:30-3:30pm.
- Pre-registration is required.
- Masks and COVID-19 vaccines are required for participants.
- For more information or to register, contact Shannon at (734) 998-9352.
Social Events
- Dementia Friendly Cinema (Dementia Friendly Saline)
- Held at Emagine Theater Saline, this Dementia-friendly movie program provides monthly screenings of classic movies in a safe and friendly environment for persons with brain changes, their care partners, and anyone else who wants to join in the fun!
- Meets the second Wednesday of each month.
- 1:00pm Doors open
- 1:15pm Snacks, film facts, and dun
- 2:00pm Movie begins
- Cost: $5 (includes popcorn, soda, and light buffet).
- Reservations are required. Please email [email protected] to reserve your tickets.
- Moments In Time Chorus (Dementia Friendly Saline)
- This dementia friendly singing group is open to people with all forms of dementia, as well as their care partners, and family. All abilities welcome.
- Rehearsals are held every Thursday from 1:00-2:30pm at Holy Faith Church in Saline.
- Currently accepting new members. Fill out the form on the website or contact Vanessa at [email protected] for more information.
Brain Health
- Brain Games & Breakfast @ Saline Area Senior Center (734) 429-9274
- Keep your brain sharp by solving brain puzzles as a whole group and individually while enjoying a breakfast treat.
- Registration required by the previous Friday.
- Cost: $2/session.
- Cranium Crunchers @ Chelsea Senior Center (734) 475-9242
- Hour of games and activities designed to improve memory function and foster discussion.
- Meets Mondays from 12:45-1:45pm.
- Dementia Friendly Games @ Saline Area Senior Center (734) 429-9274
- This group plays different versions of games like dominoes and rummikub. Those with and without dementia are welcome to join.
- Meets Tuesdays from 11:00am-12:30pm.
- Mind Matters @ Ann Arbor Senior Center (734) 794-6250
- Meets Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00am
- Fun brain exercises that are designed to keep your brain young, strong, agile and adaptable.
- Meets via Zoom (click here for link Meeting ID: 947 2633 1603 Passcode: 739714)
- Cost: free for members; $2/non-members
- MOCA Memory Testing @ Saline Area Senior Center (734) 429-9274
- The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is a brief thirty question test given to assess 8 different types of cognitive abilities. You will keep your test and results, giving you a base-line assessment and information to take to your next doctor’s appointment for discussion.
- Sign up at the front desk for an appointment or call the center.
- Cost: $10
Caregiver Support
- Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800) 272-3900
- Connect with a live person who can provide information, local resources, crisis assistance and emotional support.
- Caregiver Companions
- New program from Dementia Friendly Saline!
- Unique, one-on-one, FREE support program for primary caregivers to a loved one with dementia.
- Currently accepting participants for the first set of Caregiver Companions. Visit their website for more information, including criteria and application information.
- Chat to Heal Caregiver Support Program @ Chelsea Senior Center (734) 475-9242
- Meets every other Wednesday. Click here to view their activities calendar.
- Respite care is available.
- Respite Care Financial Assistance (Alzheimer’s Association)
- The Michigan chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association can offer scholarships to assist with adult day programs, in-home care, and overnight care.
- Call the 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900 or email [email protected].
- Support Groups via Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900
- A variety of support groups are available in-person and over Zoom.
- Click here to view a complete listing of support groups in the state.
- Virtual Dementia Tour @ Milan Seniors for Healthy Living (734) 508-6229
- Want to better understand what your loved one is experiencing? A trained facilitator with guide participants wearing special devices that alter their senses while they try to complete everyday tasks.
- Available by appointment only. Call the center or email MaryAnn at [email protected].
Coming Soon! Milan Oasis @ Milan Seniors for Healthy Living (734) 508-6229
- Milan Seniors for Healthy Living recently received a grant to provide services for people with dementia in Milan.
- Will provide respite care, social engagement, activities, and enrichment programs for people living with dementia.
- Check the Milan Seniors for Healthy Living website for updates!
Adult Day Programs
- Dottie Crim Adult Day & Education Center (734) 429-1155
- Provides daily recreation, social support, meals and activities for persons with memory loss or dementia in a safe, comfortable setting.
- Participants can visit the program for a few hours or the entire day.
- Elderberry Club
- This group designed exclusively for women with mild memory loss meets weekly for support, discussion, friendship, creative expression, and education.
- Meets Tuesdays from 10:30am-3:00pm at the Turner Senior Resource Center.
- Mind Works
- Weekly educational group for people with mild memory loss that hopes to meet the unique needs of individuals who are newly diagnosed with cognitive change.
- Meets Wednesdays from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Turner Senior Resource Center.
- Silver Club (734) 998-9352
- Silver Club Memory Programs promises a safe, stimulating environment for older adults with mild to moderate memory loss to participate in activities.
- Structured, activity-based program that meets daily from 10:00am-3:30pm and includes lunch.
- Must complete intake form and admission paperwork (see website for more information). Tours are available.
