The New Hampshire SPCA cordially invites older adults living with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers to visit their Alzheimer’s Cafe on the second Thursday of each month. The Alzheimer’s Cafe is a drop-in social gathering for individuals and their caregivers, where guests are welcome to interact with the small animals and birds that are permanent residents of the NHSPCA classroom program. The classroom animals are well known to the staff of the NHSPCA’s Humane Education department and are part of many of their youth programs. There may also be visits from employee owned animals and occasionally from adoptable animals as well.
Research indicates that interaction with animals can offer excellent therapeutic results for older adults and those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Spending time with animals in a calm and safe environment could improve mood, decrease anxiety, and lower blood pressure. Alzheimer’s Cafes, also known as Memory Cafes, began in Europe in the late 1990s as a warm and welcoming place for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other memory loss to gather and socialize with others in a diagnosis and judgement-free zone. Cafes can offer a much needed opportunity for folks experiencing memory loss as well as their caregivers to continue being active participants in their community in a positive and stress-free environment.
Guests visiting the Alzheimer’s Cafe at the NHSPCA will be introduced to a curious ferret, a roly-poly hedgehog, a fuzzy chinchilla, a bright bunch of finches, and a friendly fluffy pup. Cheerful music will also be played as NHSPCA staff and two volunteers who work in memory care help guests engage, participate and have fun! Many people agree that animals are love, so it was very fitting that the first Alzheimer’s Cafe at the NHSPCA was held last month on Valentine’s Day, and received many positive reviews.
If you know someone who may benefit from this ongoing program, the Alzheimer’s Cafe will be held on the second Thursday of each month, with the next one scheduled for March 14, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, in the NHSPCA’s shelter’s classroom (104 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham, NH). This monthly program is FREE, but donations are greatly appreciated. For more information please visit the Alzheimer’s Cafe at NHSPCA, or call 603-772-2921 x147.
