In Milwaukee County’s latest effort to improve quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, the Department on Aging, the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, Alzheimer’s Association of SE WI, the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Facilitating agency Milwaukee Center for Independence are opening the sixth Milwaukee County Partnership Memory Café at Daddy’s Soul Food & Grill, 754 N. 27th St.

County Executive Chris Abele, Wisconsin State Senator LaTonya Johnson, Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Supreme Moore Omokunde along with other Milwaukee officials and key stakeholders from the around the state, will celebrate the opening of the new café where persons with dementia can socialize with their caregivers and others as they would have before their diagnosis.

"I want to thank our community partners in the city of Milwaukee along with the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, Alzheimer’s Association of SE WI, the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Facilitating agency Milwaukee Center for Independence for helping make Milwaukee County’s sixth Memory Café a reality. Memory Cafés provide a dignified, supportive, and engaging environment for persons with dementia and are one of the building blocks in our ongoing effort to create a Dementia Friendly Community."

A Dementia Friendly Community (DFC) is one in which people with dementia are empowered to have high aspirations and feel confident, knowing they can contribute and participate in activities that are meaningful to them. In addition to Memory Cafés, other essential elements of a DFC include creating a Memory Connection Center, training public health and public safety officials, engaging with local businesses and organizing support groups, also testing a pilot with the rideshare UBER for a dementia capable mode of transportation. 

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. at Daddy’s Soul Food & Grill.

Plans are underway to open more Milwaukee County Partnership Memory Cafés in other communities and neighborhoods in Milwaukee County. Neighborhood support and involvement is critical to the success of the Milwaukee County Partnership Memory Cafés, and each café will have its own unique community flavor.

The Milwaukee County Department on Aging’s Dementia Care Specialist develops a strong relationship with the people in the community and seeks their involvement in the establishment of Memory Cafés. The enthusiasm and support of the Milwaukee Public Health Department, Milwaukee officials, owners and staff of Daddy’s Soul Food & Grill, were key components in the opening of the county’s sixth Partnership Memory Café.