Over the past 7 years, the Cúltaca, Ann Marron and Pat Kerins have developed a range of innovative supports, including a dedicated home visiting service based on the development of personal plans to ensure that older people access the services they need and are entitled to.
They have also established a number of older people groups, including the Nestling social clubs, Good Morning Louth, the Men’s Sheds and regular Netwell Social outings.
More recently, over the past year Ann Marron from the Netwell Centre says they have turned their attention to developing supports for families living with memory loss.
“We wanted to create a friendly and informal place with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for people with memory problems, their families, and friends to gather and share information on dementia”, said Ann.
“So we are delighted to have joined forces with Ruby’s Vintage Style Tea Room at Francis Street, Dundalk to run a monthly Netwell Memory Café”.
The Netwell Memory Café will be open from 6pm to 8pm on the third Thursday of the month starting from September through to November and pending demand will resume in the New Year.
“We invite families living with memory loss to come along to our Netwell Memory Café where a warm welcome awaits them”, said Ann.
“It may also be of interest to health care professionals.
“They can call in for a chat over a cuppa, listen to our guest speakers, gather relevant information or just sit and relax anytime between 6 and 8pm.”
The first Netwell Memory Café will take place this Thursday, 18 September with guest speaker Olive Joyce from ASI, from 6-8pm in Ruby’s Tea Rooms.
Dr. Grace Kenny (GP) and Dr Olwyn Lynch, Geriatrician will also make presentations at the October and November sessions.
“These are short, informal presentations lasting just 15 minutes,” said Ann.
“They are not intended as a question and answer session but the Netwell Centre will follow up on any queries raised on the night.
“We are delighted with the level of support and interest to date”.
Source: Dundalk Democrat.