City of Burlingame CA enhances life for the elderly

The staff at Burlingame’s Parks and Recreation department understands that the elderly often face serious life challenges. So the department has teamed up with a few other local agencies to host the Memory Cafe. The Memory Cafe’s purpose is to provide a social gathering place for people suffering from various forms of memory loss, along with their care partners.

Other local agencies teaming up with the City of Burlingame to provide this service include Peninsula Health Care District, the Aging Support Services branch of Catholic Charities and Rotary International.

The difficulties that people suffering memory loss experience because of Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia can create obstacles to the social relationships we all take for granted. So, the Memory Cafe, located at the Trousdale Wellness Center on 1875 Trousdale Drive, provides a “wonderfully welcoming” place for anyone with Alzheimer’s or any other dementia. This gives these people and their caregivers an opportunity to form friendships in a supportive atmosphere as they meet the challenges of memory loss that may come with aging.

The Memory Cafe takes place every first Wednesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The meetings allow plenty of time for participants to get to know each other as they enjoy light refreshments. Additionally, there is a special activity planned for attendees. These activities may include movement/exercise, music, photo sharing, games, art or holiday celebrations. However, visitors do not have to participate and are encouraged to attend the meetings whether or not they are interested in joining the special activities.

Here are some upcoming activities:

November 6 – Music and memory

December 4 – Photo sharing

The Memory Cafe is free to participants because the partner agencies fully finance it. Also, there is no requirement to sign up to attend. However, organizers request that those who wish to join the group RSVP, if possible. To RSVP, call the Burlingame Recreation Center at (650) 558-7300.