Maggie McKay (Host): Welcome to Stoughton Health Talk. I'm your host, Maggie McKay. Alayna Hoch, Recreational Therapist joins us today to talk about the Memory Cafe. Great to meet you, Alayna.

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: Thanks for having me.

Host: I am so interested to hear more about the Memory Cafe. What is it?

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: So the Memory cafe is designed for individuals with memory loss issues as well as their care partners. So we come together once a month. It's usually the first Tuesday of the month. We get together at the hospital. It's just like a safe, engaging space for them and their care partners to get together with people that are going through similar things.

Host: And what can someone expect when they attend a Memory Cafe for the first time? The both the person with memory loss and their care partner.

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: Yeah, so it's a little different each month. We kind of do the same basis each month, but we kinda start with an introduction, whether it's like a icebreaker activity where, or it's just introducing each other, making sure we know each other's faces and names and that sort of thing. We have volunteers.

There's always a friendly welcome. Once we get to know everybody, we chat with each other, get to know each other a little bit. Then there's usually some light refreshments some treats, some coffee. We kinda just talk over coffee. And then usually there's some engaging activities. A lot of the time I like to do them regarding the season or the holidays that are coming up.

So we've done a lot of Christmas themed things in the past, Halloween themed things, summer. They're just activities that are engaging, but they're not super overwhelming to say. So it gets everyone involved. After that, we just spend the rest of the time talking and letting people share experiences with each other, and it's just a nice space for everyone to talk.

Host: That's so cool. Can you share a personal story or a moment from a cafe to show why it matters or how it helps?

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: I've only been running the Memory Cafes for about a year now, but within that short period of time, I've gotten to know a lot of the participants that we have. Just seeing their progress over the different months of being comfortable talking about certain things or making connections with their peers.

So I just think it's really heartwarming that they feel comfortable enough to share those stories with each other because they know they have similar experiences, so they know that person will understand and they know they won't feel judged or misunderstood in those situations. So I just think seeing their confidence grow over each month is just. It's great to see.

Host: What would you say to someone who is hesitant to attend?

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: I would say that it's definitely okay to feel unsure at first. I'm sure it's scary going to a new place where you don't know many people or you don't know anybody. It's just you and your care partner. I would just say try it. It doesn't hurt to try. You don't have to share a story. You don't have to talk.

You don't have to stay the whole time if you don't want to. It's just a good opportunity where you can go with your loved one and kind of go somewhere where they understand without you having to explain everything. Like they're in the same boat as you and it's just very welcoming.

Host: I think it's like such a simple idea, but so crucial if you are in that space with memory loss and like they always say the caretakers or your spouse or your children. It just seems why haven't we been doing this forever? Does it take place at Stoughton?

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: Yeah, so it takes place at the hospital in the Bryant Center, which is in the lower level of the hospital. I've had stories from participants that tell me just that this is their way of getting out of the house. Like it helps them get out of the house more and not feel so isolated at home. It's just a good way to interact with people and get that social stimulation.

Host: Can anybody come?

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: I know my phone number is listed on the flyers. You don't have to pre-register at all. It's helpful. So we know if we're doing like a craft or something, how many supplies to get but it's not required.

You could always just show up or call me ahead of time. Either one works and we'll find room for you. We'll make a day out of it.

Host: What a rewarding career, Alayna. I would think it's really heartwarming what you do. In closing, is there anything else you'd like to add about the Memory Cafe?

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: If you're hesitant about trying it, I definitely think you give me a call and I can give you some more information if you'd like. Just try it. We're a very welcoming bunch. We like to laugh and share a cup of coffee every now and then, so I would definitely say give it a try and something new.

Maggie McKay (Host): Alayna, what is your number in case somebody wants to give you a call and ask more about it?

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: Yep. So it's 608-873-2259.

Host: I think the Memory Cafe is a great idea. It is. What a wonderful resource. Thank you so much for shedding some light on this progressive idea.

Alayna Hoch, BHS, CTRS: Absolutely.

Host: Again, that's Alayna Hoch. To find out more, please visit stoughtonhealth.com. If you found this podcast helpful, please share it on your social channels and check out our entire podcast library for topics of interest to you. I'm Maggie McKay. Thanks for listening to Stoughton Health Talk from Stoughton Health.