Pictured, from left, are manager Christine Cronin, Christy McHale, activities coordinator Bridget Hegarty, HCA Pauline Gallagher, kitchen supervisor Ann Monaghan, and activities coordinator Rita Scott. Photo: Karla Shevlin

New dementia cafe

SONAS Ti Aire Nursing Home are launching Belmullet's first dementia cafe on Monday, March 26.

Dementia cafes provide a warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends and social and health care professionals to meet, exchange ideas and learnings.

The dementia café is based on an international model and opens for a few hours on the same day each month. Light refreshments and a mix of education and support are available.

The Belmullet cafe will be open on the last Monday of each month.

On hand to perform the official launch will be Senator Rose-Conway Walsh, while Paddy Gannon, family support officer for Western Alzheimers, will give a talk and host questions from attendees.

Admission is only €2, which includes tea/coffee, cakes and the talk. All monies raised will be going to Western Alzheimers.

Carers, familly members, friends and health care professionals and anyone from the community who wishes to join them on the day for Belmullet's first ever dementia cafe is invited along.