Making a Difference: Volunteering at the Dementia Café
Making a Difference: Volunteering at the Dementia Café
Lesduur is: 60 minOnderdelen in deze les
Making a Difference: Volunteering at the Dementia Café
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will understand the experiences of volunteers and guests at a Dementia Café, identify activities that work well, recognise challenges faced by guests, and consider ideas to enhance inclusivity and support.
What is Dementia?
What do you already know about volunteering at a Dementia Café?
What Makes Volunteering Meaningful?
Explore what volunteers find most rewarding at the Dementia Café and why their role is important.
Activities That Bring Joy
Art, crafts, hair/beauty, massage, and conversations can make guests happiest. These activities support comfort and connection.
Why Do These Activities Work Well?
Massage and chats help guests relax, feel seen, and valued, supporting emotional wellbeing.
Soothing Touch & Conversation
Creativity & Expression
Arts and crafts allow self-expression regardless of verbal ability, offering pride and joy.
Challenges Faced by Guests and Carers
People with dementia and their carers may feel nervous, isolated, or face communication difficulties when attending.
Changing Perspectives on Dementia
Volunteering can break stigma and build understanding of dementia, especially among young people.
Making the Café More Welcoming
How could the Dementia Café be improved for guests feeling nervous, isolated, or new?
What can help new guests feel welcomed?
Comfortable seating areas
Unfriendly staff interactions
Friendly staff greetings
Loud music playing
How can isolation be reduced at the café?
Isolated seating sections
No social interactions
Peer support opportunities
Group activities and games
What sign can indicate a welcoming atmosphere?
Closed doors at entry
Clear signage for entrance
No information available
Welcoming artwork displays
Young People and Intergenerational Support
Discover meaningful ways children and young adults help support those with dementia in the local community.
Creative and Cultural Activities
What new creative or cultural activities could we introduce to include and relax all guests?
What type of art class could we offer?
Pottery workshop for all ages
Advanced painting for experts only
Which cultural activity could promote relaxation?
Competitive sports tournaments
Guided meditation sessions
What creative activity encourages social interaction?
Community mural painting
Solo poetry readings
Gentle Movement and reminiscence session
Sharing Ideas and Feedback
Quick Chats and Cards
Group Sessions
Some prefer group discussions for brainstorming or sharing collective opinions.
Short, informal chats or using feedback cards help people share ideas easily.
Top Café Priorities
The Dementia Café should focus on: inclusive activities, support for carers, and a welcoming, supportive environment.
What do you think are the top three things the Dementia Café should focus on to better support people with dementia and their families?
How can you contribute to making the Dementia Café and your community more inclusive for people with dementia?
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
