Forget Me Not Cafe: Malaysia’s First Memory Café Supporting Dementia Patients

Rosli 20/09/2024

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By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali

IPOH – Forget Me Not Cafe (FMNC), Malaysia’s first-ever memory café, has been established to support cognitive rehabilitation and provide job opportunities for early-stage dementia patients.

Chairperson of the Dementia Society Perak (PDP), Prof. Dr. E. Esther Gunaseli, said the launch of FMNC is a collaboration between the Dementia Society Perak and Pantai Hospital Ipoh (PHI) in conjunction with World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, 2024.

“FMNC is a community project that provides employment opportunities for early-stage dementia patients while also aiming to reduce the social stigma surrounding the disease.

“We extend our gratitude to Pantai Hospital Ipoh for their support in providing free space for this café, which will help dementia patients stay active in a safe and positive environment, improving their overall quality of life.

“This café is open to all dementia patients; however, they must be registered with the Dementia Society Perak. Initially, we will employ two dementia patients to work in two shifts: morning (8:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and afternoon (1:00 PM to 5:00 PM), with an allowance of RM40 per person for each shift,” she said to Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic after the FMNC launch ceremony at the Medical Mall Booth Area, Pantai Hospital Ipoh, on Thursday.

In a statement, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHI, Yow Huai Mim emphasized that beyond offering job opportunities, this initiative can enhance social interaction, which plays a crucial role in slowing down the progression of dementia.

“PHI is proud to be part of this innovative project, which is seen as a significant step in improving dementia care in the country.

“We also thank Yayasan Teratai for their generous donation of the Dr Coffee F11 automatic coffee machine, which will aid in the smooth operation of this café,” he said.

FMNC operates daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Medical Mall Booth Area, Pantai Hospital Ipoh, located next to The Coffee Bean Café.