The Elder Network is a 501(c)(3) human services agency that was formed in 1988, and was incorporated on May 28th, 1991. The mission of Elder Network is that, “Those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives.” We focus on helping seniors and caregivers to maintain their general health and well-being, including their mental health; and to maintain independence and quality of life in a safe, supported environment.
Elder Network currently provides the following services: Companion Care, Respite Care, Friendly Visiting, Medical and Non-Medical Transportation, Senior Advocacy, PEARLs, Educational programs and groups such as Powerful Tools for Caregiving and Aging Mastery, our Technology Assistance Program, and Caregiver Support through REACH coaching, dementia and caregiver support groups, an art group, and a mindfulness group. Throughout the past 35 years of service, Elder Network has been dedicated to serving older adults and their loved ones, which include caregivers, family members, and friends. Through these 35 years of operation, Elder Network has committed resources to training staff, volunteers, clients, and community members on dementia, accessibility, diversity, end-of-life planning, grief support, suicide prevention, mental health in the aging population, and many other vital areas of service delivery that pertain to those 55 years of age and older.
Memory Café is for those with dementia and their caregiver to meet in our community for casual conversation and interaction with other people struggling with memory difficulties. Our Memory Café in Rochester is open to anyone who is experiencing dementia, as well as their caregiver. We open this program to community members on a monthly basis, on the third Thursday of the month, from 2-3pm. The concept of Memory Café is to open a local, community hub that provides a welcoming and accepting nature for seniors with dementia. These individuals often face many isolating stigmas and stereotypes-preventing them from experiencing socialization opportunities that keep them in touch with their humanity. With the Memory Cafes, seniors with dementia can meet others going through similar experiences, while enjoying relaxing activities, crafts, drinks, and snacks. Their participation does not incur set fees, but rather they attend based upon their own, voluntary contributions. The Olmsted County Memory Café is held in Zadeo's Pizza in the Cub Foods Plaza, at 1021 15th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
The Co-Facilitator would need to be available for set-up, the program, and the event itself. We are seeking someone with either personal or professional experience working with others with dementia. A team player who can work with groups of 10-20 individuals and who can work to assist those with dementia and their caregivers to enjoy relaxing activities, crafts, and food set-up, would be our ideal candidate for this volunteer position. We will also provide additional training on working with those with dementia, as well as assisting caregivers of those with dementia. We will provide support of the co-facilitator in learning how to conduct the activities of each session. We will have pre-planned activities with the supplies and directions available, as well as another co-facilitator who is well-acquainted with the facilities, set-up, schedule, supplies, etc. to assist with each Memory Café.
If you are interested in learning more about Memory Café, and/or the position of a co-facilitator for these events, please reach out to Elder Network by calling 507-285-5272, or by emailing us at melissas@elder-network.org. A background clearance will be required for all co-facilitators. Snacks will be served at each session, and additional opportunities for learning and growing in one's understanding of dementia and caregiving will be offered to co-facilitators and participants of the Memory Café.
