Trinity at Home has established a monthly Neighborhood Memory Cafe that is free and open to people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and their families, as well as their caregivers.

People with cognitive impairment and memory loss and their loved ones can socialize with others facing similar challenges in a stress-free and stigma-free environment.

The monthly meetings are held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Gary’s Bar-B-Que in China Grove.

The meetings feature guest speakers, games, light refreshments, support services, and access to information on community resources.

“Companionship and having a sense of belonging are important in all walks of life,” says Christina Joyce, director of community services for Trinity-Rowan Senior Services. “We hope to achieve this goal for both caregivers and their loved ones through Memory Cafe.”

The Memory Café concept originated in the Netherlands and came to the United States in 2008. Trinity at Home is proud to be the first Memory Café in Rowan County.

“This is an essential program for people with dementia because there is still a lot of living to do after a diagnosis. We hope to promote this and restore a sense of normalcy for both the person with the diagnosis and those that love them, a place to have fun and laugh,” says Chandra Upright, agency director and RN supervisor at Trinity at Home,

The next Neighborhood Memory Cafe will be Nov. 28 at Gary’s Bar-B-Que, 620 U.S. 29 N. in China Grove.

Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Teresa Dakins or Lauren Vordenberg at Trinity at Home at 704-603-2776,