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'Memory Cafe' renamed 'Timeless Connections Cafe'; commission seeks police guidance on driving safety for people with dementia
Summary
The Commission on Disability announced the Memory Cafe’s new name — Timeless Connections Cafe — and asked local police to brief the group on guidance for families and caregivers about when to restrict driving for people with dementia.
At its June 13 meeting the Tyngsborough Commission on Disability said the Memory Cafe has been renamed the Timeless Connections Cafe after consultation with families, council on aging staff and people living with dementia.
"It is now the Timeless Connections Cafe," Chair Rayanne Jacek said, adding that the group hopes the new name will be less off-putting to potential attendees. The program will meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at noon at the Center for Active Living and will include coffee, conversation and occasional speakers.
Members raised concerns about how families should handle driving safety when a loved one shows signs of impairment. Chair Jacek described an account of a person who did not recognize emergency signals and was later removed from a vehicle in a distressing incident. A representative of the police said he would be "more than happy" to attend a future meeting or the Timeless Connections Cafe to discuss preventive steps, medical evaluations, and how families can work with primary care physicians and emergency services.
Commissioners also asked whether emergency and shelter plans could better account for people with disabilities and suggested that commission members coordinate with the town safety committee and the health and fire departments. The commission agreed to follow up and to invite a police representative to the next session focused on these issues.
The Timeless Connections Cafe is intended as a welcoming monthly space for people with dementia, caregivers and community members to share experiences and learn about supports.
