Making Green Lake a Dementia Friendly Neighborhood

Alzheimer’s disease is quickly becoming a national crisis. It is the fifth-leading cause of death for people over 65 in the United States. As the Tsunami of Baby Boomers enters the retirement scene, millions will spend their years with memory loss or caring for someone who is affected by it.

Caregiver challenges can be a lonely and difficult journey. Cultural nuances and awkward behavior can make it difficult for caregivers to find a safe place to socialize with their loved ones outside of the home. Not so in Green Lake, a welcoming retirement neighborhood located in the heart of Seattle. Every third Tuesday of the month, you will find a special sign posted on the door of Peet’s Coffee Shop announcing Alzheimer’s Café and inviting their patrons to join in.

The Hearthstone Retirement Community in partnership with Peet’s Coffee in Green Lake puts on the local event every month. Caregivers, family members, people with varying degrees of memory loss and friends from around the neighborhood join in to make merry. Whether a local musician visits, sing-a-longs to oldies are played or memory games are shared, it is a place for those with memory loss to enjoy the company of others who love and accept them just as they are. Amy Bernhoft, who organizes the event, says, “As the Life Enrichment Director here at the Hearthstone, I look forward to the Alzheimer’s Café every month because it gives a chance for our residents and their families to have an outing and spend time together doing what many of them have done for years, talk and enjoy each other’s company over a cup of coffee.”

Sarah Johnson, Manager at Peet’s is ready every month to open doors for this meaningful event. “We are thrilled to be able to host such a wonderful event for our community and especially love the sing-a-longs!” Amy Maguire, Life Enrichment Manager at The Hearthstone, said, “The Green Lake Alzheimer’s Café at Peet’s is a joyful place for everyone who shows up. We have so much fun that the regular Peet’s goers often stay to sing and play the word games and join in the discussion.”

The Hearthstone and Peet’s Coffee are joining forces to make Green Lake a dementia-friendly neighborhood. You can too. If you or someone you know would like to visit or join in on the fun, come to Peet’s Coffee shop in Green Lake, every third Tuesday of the month at 2:30pm. Peet’s Coffee & Tea is located at 6850 East Green Lake Way North in Seattle.

Watch a short Alzheimer’s Café Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx5VT3HRPuc

For information about The Hearthstone, call 206-517-2120 or visit www.hearthstone.org.