SE Valley Times

Tempe, AZ - The city of Tempe is offering a range of free programs to assist individuals with memory loss conditions and their families and caregivers. The Dementia Friendly Tempe program provides various resources and support for those in need.

One of the programs offered is the Memory Café, which provides a social and resource space for people living with memory loss and their care partners. Caregivers have the opportunity to participate in educational and support sessions, while individuals with memory loss engage in a cognitive engagement program. The program takes place on the first, second, third, and fourth Mondays of each month at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for coffee, treats, and socializing, with programs for caregivers and their loved ones hosted from 10 - 11:15 a.m.

For caregivers and their loved ones who prefer a bilingual environment, the City of Tempe also offers a Bilingual Memory Café. This support group provides a comfortable space for socializing, listening to music, and obtaining additional resources. The Bilingual Memory Café takes place on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Escalante Multi-Generational Center. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for treats, and programs for caregivers and their loved ones are hosted from 10 - 11 a.m.

In addition to the Memory Café programs, Dementia Friendly Tempe also organizes free monthly presentations that provide education, tools, and resources for caregivers and families caring for loved ones with dementia. These presentations occur on the second Monday of each month at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center.

To further support caregivers, Dementia Friendly Tempe offers free respite care for loved ones attending the special program on the second Monday of each month.

For those who missed the 7th annual Dementia Friendly Tempe summit, a video is available to learn more about the topic "What if Alzheimer's Could Be Predicted and Prevented Before It was Too Late?" Area experts focused on blood and genetic testing during the summit.

For more information about the Dementia Friendly Tempe programs or to contact the organization, interested individuals can email DFT@tempe.gov or call 480-350-8534.

The City of Tempe strives to be a technology and business magnet, an inclusive and caring community, and a hub for recreation and adventure. The city's progress towards these goals is tracked through data collected on more than 100 performance measures, which are publicly displayed on a dashboard.

For more information about the City of Tempe and its initiatives, visit tempe.gov.