CareBright CLG, Bruff, Co. Limerick are launching their CareBright Dementia Café in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society Ireland (ASI), HSE, Engaging Dementia and the National Dementia Café Network, opening October 21^st.

Focusing on the social model of care, the café is a focal point of the Dementia Care community and is situated in the heart of the Bruff community. Open and accessible to all, the café offers a relaxed and inclusive space for those with dementia, their families, carers and the wider local community. The service provides an opportunity for people to share experiences and access reliable information on dementia care and available supports. It offers a ‘soft’ first step for those coming to terms with a diagnosis as well as ongoing supports to accessing the service.

“We may not be able to change the outcome but we can change each and every journey.”

The café is an integral part of the Carebright Community Hub, which offers residential and daycare services to people with Dementia based on an innovative, inclusive 'household model'. It focuses on a social care model and is based on individual needs, choices and abilities emphasising quality of life, regardless of diagnosis.

Ballyhoura Development CLG supported CareBright CLG to apply for and secure LEADER funding, which provided vital grant aid, to enable a full fit-out of the café facility with furniture, moveable partitions, and crockery and cutlery in line with the ethos and design concept of the overall community hub.

The setting is open and bright, with large windows bringing the outside in and removing perceived barriers to the outside world. Every aspect of the building, its design and colour scheme is based on extensive research as to what works best for those with dementia. It provides a social connection and normal experience, reducing isolation frequently experienced by carers and people living with dementia. 

 

"Receiving a dementia diagnosis can lead to shock, anxiety and ultimate withdrawal into yourself from fear of future.  It is so important to talk to friends and family at this time and resist the urge to withdraw socially. Post-diagnostic support systems give people hope and a platform to focus on what they can do and not what they can't. We may not be able to change the outcome but we can change each and every journey." said Valerie Clancy, Yarn Social Day Club Manager.

Opening 21^st of October and meeting once monthly, the CareBright Dementia Café provides a safe and supportive peer group for those living with dementia and their carers to access a social platform enabling shared experiences and information supported by specialist guest speakers. 

When: 3^rd Thursday of each month

Time: 4pm

Venue: The Yarn Café, CareBright CLG, Ardykeohane, Bruff, Co. Limerick, V35 NV32

Coordinator: Valerie Clancy mobile 087-1035054 / 061-602700

Email: [email protected]