New Manila, Quezon City, October 26, 2024 – Gunita para sa Dementia by Hi-Eisai, has launched the Gunita Memory Café, an initiative aimed at providing care, compassion, and social connection for individuals living with dementia and their families. The event, hosted at Bahay ni San Jose (BSJ), offers a welcoming space for dementia patients and their caregivers to engage in memory-stimulating activities and connect with others.

The memory café concept, which has long been established in countries like the UK, was first spearheaded in this region by the Purple Angel Global Dementia Awareness Movement, known for its advocacy in dementia care. Gunita para sa Dementia has adopted this model, building on Purple Angel’s vision to create a platform where participants can share stories, play memory games, and build a sense of community. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create spaces where people with dementia can feel seen, heard, and valued.

Bahay ni San Jose (BSJ) operates under the umbrella of the Institute for Dementia Care Asia (IDCA), an organization dedicated to advancing dementia care and education across the region. IDCA’s support has been pivotal in bringing this memory café to life, offering a venue where individuals can enjoy a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

The Gunita Memory Café marks Gunita para sa Dementia’s first venture into the memory café concept, with plans to expand this model to other communities. The goal is to provide a consistent space where families affected by dementia can find support, participate in enriching activities, and experience a renewed sense of joy.

The event emphasizes the importance of community collaboration in dementia care, with Gunita para sa Dementia, the Purple Angel Global Dementia Awareness Movement, and IDCA working together to foster a brighter, more inclusive future. As the memory café program continues, organizers aim to reach more communities, building a network of support for those living with dementia and their loved ones.