Popular in Europe, first one on U.S. East Coast
(Dover NH — October 11, 2011) -- As part of a desire to serve a wider spectrum of community needs, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire is launching a new program that invites people living with Alzheimer's disease into the Museum on a monthly basis. This is the first program of its kind in the Eastern United States.
The Alzheimer's Café will be held at the Children's Museum in Dover on the third Thursday of each month from 2-4 pm, starting on October 20, 2011. People living with Alzheimer's disease will be welcomed during this time, along with their family members and care partners, to gather in a supportive, non-clinical setting to chat, relax, enjoy refreshments and socialize. Reservations are not needed and there is no cost to attend, though donations will be accepted.
“This concept of offering a regular social gathering for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia began in Europe,” explained Paula Rais, Director of Community Engagement for the Children’s Museum of NH. “People often find themselves feeling depressed and self-conscious after being diagnosed, and the people in their support network may also feel in need of support. Having a regular place to go and meet others in a purely social setting each month can provide a welcome destination with an understanding community of people.”
Alzheimer’s Café programs are established in a number of European countries and Canada’s first program was launched in Nova Scotia this past February. In the United States, there are now programs open in New Mexico, California, Oregon and Washington. These programs are held in a variety of settings, including theatres, historic buildings and restaurants.
“We feel that our Museum is an ideal place for an Alzheimer’s Café,” said Rais. “We know that intergenerational experiences are beneficial for all ages, and our Museum is designed to be engaging for adults as well as children. Many elders did not have the experience of going to a children’s museum as a child, so these visits give them the opportunity to see how we approach conceptual learning now compared to what they might have experienced, and this always stimulates discussion and reflection.”
The launch of the Alzheimer’s Café at the Museum follows on the heels of another successful community initiative called Exploring Our Way – The Children's Museum of NH's Autism Partnership Program. This program has has achieved high attendance and acclaim since it began in March 2010. Exploring Our Way is held at the Museum on the second Sunday morning of each month for families with children on the autism spectrum at no cost. This program takes place when the Museum is closed to the public and offers families the chance to explore the Museum together, with support from museum staff, trained volunteers and special materials such as mapping tools and social stories.
For more information about the Alzheimer's Café or Exploring Our Way, please contact Paula Rais via email atpaula@childrens-museum.org or by phone at (603) 742-2002.
About the Children's Museum of New Hampshire
The not-for-profit Children's Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two floors of hands-on, custom-created exhibits for children and their families. Kids can explore a wide range of subjects ranging from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. Open year-round, the Museum works closely with schools, social service agencies and educators. The Museum also hosts a variety of live performances workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please visit www.childrens-museum.org.
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
6 Washington Street, Dover NH 03820
603-742-2002
www.childrens-museum.org
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