By Anne Das
Ipoh is excited to welcome Forget Me Not Café, Malaysia’s first Memory Café, which will open its doors with a special launch event on 19 September 2024 at the Medical Mall, Pantai Hospital Ipoh. The café offers a unique environment where people with early-stage dementia can engage in meaningful activities and find employment in a supportive setting.
The café will feature the Dr. Coffee F11 Fully Auto Coffee Machine, sponsored by Yayasan Teratai, serving a selection of delicious coffees. Each visit promises a high-quality coffee experience while supporting a noble cause.
Prof. Dr. Esther Ebenezer, Chairman of the Dementia Society Perak, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “Forget Me Not Café is a wonderful example of how we can take small, impactful steps towards improving the lives of those with dementia.
By providing a safe space where individuals can work and socialise, we’re not only enhancing their quality of life but also fostering greater understanding and acceptance within our community.”
The official launch event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Ms. Yow Huai Mim, CEO of Pantai Hospital Ipoh, and an inspiring address by Prof. Dr. Ebenezer. Following the launch, the café will initially open every other Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Due to prior reservations by other NGOs for this year, the schedule may vary, but the café aims to expand its operations as support grows. This pioneering initiative represents a significant advancement in dementia care.
The significance of this initiative is reflected in the following statistics: globally, approximately 55 million people live with dementia, with someone being diagnosed every 3 seconds, according to the World Health Organization. In Malaysia, around 8.5% of older adults, or roughly 260,000 people, are affected.
Perak, with its high elderly population, and Ipoh, with a significant number of older residents, are particularly impacted.
Forget Me Not Memory Café aims to:
- Provide job opportunities for individuals with early-stage dementia.
- Enhance their quality of life and extend their productive years.
- Create a supportive environment for cognitive stimulation and social interaction.
- Raise awareness about dementia and reduce stigma.
Pantai Hospital Ipoh is proudly hosting this innovative project as part of its commitment to community care. The Forget Me Not Café promotes inclusivity and support for those living with dementia. By offering a dedicated space for social interaction, employment, and awareness, this café aims to make an impact on the lives of individuals and their families.
Event Details:
Launch Date : 19 September 2024 (Thursday) – 1 PM
Regular Operation : Alternate Fridays – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue : Medical Mall, Pantai Hospital Ipoh
For more information, please contact:
Dementia Society Perak / BEBELAC Day Centre
Phone : +60 11-6260 0806 / +60 5-506 0806
The community is encouraged to attend the launch and support the café’s operations, taking part in this significant step towards improving dementia care and understanding in our city.
