The Dementia Society Perak, driven by a profound mission, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative—the ‘Forget Me Not Café,’ Malaysia’s first Memory Café designed for People With Dementia (PWD). With unwavering support from Pantai Hospital Ipoh and a generous sponsorship from Yayasan Teratai, this unique café is set to become a safe haven for those living with early-stage dementia.
Dementia is a growing concern worldwide, with over 55 million people affected globally, and one new diagnosis occurring every 3 seconds. Closer to home, Malaysia is witnessing an increase in dementia cases, with around 260,000 older adults, or 8.5% of the population, living with the condition. As Malaysians live longer, age becomes a significant risk factor, especially in Perak, where the elderly population has reached 15%—making it the state with the highest number of older adults in the country.
Ipoh, a city known for its serenity, is home to approximately 125,000 residents aged 60 and above, with an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 individuals living with dementia. For these individuals and their families, life can be challenging. Many face the stigma associated with cognitive decline, and the need for meaningful engagement is often unmet. This is where the Forget Me Not Café steps in, offering a space filled with empathy, understanding, and purpose.
It all started with a vision—a dream to create a place where PWD could work, socialize, and feel valued. With the launch of the café, that vision has come to life. Nestled within the Pantai Hospital Ipoh premises, the café is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a lifeline for individuals in the early stages of dementia. Here, PWD have the opportunity to work, serving drinks and snacks in an environment where small mistakes are greeted with warmth and acceptance. Customers might receive a different order than expected, but it is embraced with kindness, symbolizing a deeper message about patience and compassion for those with dementia.
The event itinerary was simple yet impactful. 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.” The formal launch and ribbon-cutting were graced by Ms. Yow Huai Mim, ACEO of Pantai Hospital Ipoh, who symbolized the hospital’s commitment to supporting this vital cause.
The initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support from Pantai Hospital Ipoh, which generously provided the space for the café, and Yayasan Teratai, which donated the Dr. Coffee F11 Fully Auto Coffee Machine with Milk Cooler, ensuring a steady stream of quality beverages for visitors.
For those with early-stage dementia, the Forget Me Not Café represents hope and dignity. The café offers PWD a chance to engage in meaningful work, slowing the progression of dementia through social interaction and cognitive rehabilitation. Here, individuals can maintain their productivity in a safe and supportive environment, building self-esteem and a sense of purpose.
The café’s objectives are clear: provide job opportunities for those with early dementia, improve quality of life, prolong productive years in a protected space, enhance social connections, raise awareness about dementia in a healthcare setting, combat stigma, and generate income to support the needs of PWD.
The café creates a unique environment where early dementia patients are not merely cared for—they are empowered. By interacting with new faces and building social connections, they are encouraged to remain active, which is crucial in slowing down cognitive decline. Each interaction at the café helps to normalize dementia, reminding the public that PWD deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
The launch of the Forget Me Not Café is a small but meaningful step toward a larger goal—one that aligns with Malaysia’s upcoming National Dementia Action Plan (NDAP). Set to be launched in October 2024, the NDAP aims to ensure that PWD receive quality care while safeguarding the interests of their caregivers. It also strives to reduce societal stigma and provide sustainable rehabilitation services across the country.
The Dementia Society Perak hopes that this novel initiative will serve as a beacon for other communities and hospitals. Pantai Hospital Ipoh’s dedication to this project reflects the power of community-driven healthcare, where businesses and organizations come together to serve vulnerable groups. In time, it is hoped that other hospitals in Malaysia will take inspiration from this project, contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive society.
For now, the Forget Me Not Café stands as a testament to the idea that small acts of kindness can make a world of difference. It’s a place where every smile, every order, and every interaction carries meaning—because, in the end, it’s not just about the coffee, it’s about remembering that no one should be forgotten.
