Here at Caregiving MetroWest, we have long extolled the virtues of memory cafes for both people with dementia and their caregivers.

In recent months, we even added an entire page devoted to memory cafes in our Resources by Type section.

Because we know the benefits of such resources, we do our best to keep all of our information up to date. In that vein, we have a couple of updates of note. First, the Needham Memory Cafe is now meeting at Treat Cupcake Bar (1450 Highland Ave., Needham, MA) on the second Wednesday of the month from 1-2 p.m. For more information, call 781-444-2266.

Also, the new contact person for the Tapestry Cafe at Whitney Place (3 Vision Drive, Natick, MA) is Ellen Koswick. She can be reached at 508-655-3344 x3952 for more information. That cafe still meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m.

Don’t forget, you can always get information on memory cafes throughout the MetroWest region on our new Memory Cafe page.

And if you’re wondering why we praise memory cafes the we do. It’s because these cafes offer an opportunity for people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia a chance to get some needed relief while still spending time with your loved one and other caregivers in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The cafes encourage socialization with other caregivers and loved ones where you can just be yourself. It provides an opportunity to get out with your loved one and have an enjoyable morning or afternoon.

Unlike support groups that are strictly for caregivers or adult day programs just for the care recipient, memory cafes offer a chance for the caregiver and care recipient to get needed respite and socialization while remaining together.