A new type of café is coming to Maricopa. This one isn’t dishing out croissants and lattes — it’s bringing support and snacks for people living with memory loss.

Central Arizona Aging this fall will host Maricopa’s first memory café, an event that offers a safe, supportive social environment for people living with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other forms of memory impairment.

“It’s all about socialization. It’s for caregivers and their loved ones,” said Director of Independent Living Services Martha Myers of the memory café.

The first memory cafés started in the late 1990s in the Netherlands as informal groups to help destigmatize dementia and other forms of memory impairment, as well as offering support and decreasing social isolation.

CAA CEO Ana Medina said it’s a chance to “create a space where people feel seen, heard and valued.”

This is important for both caregivers and the family members they care for, according to Myers.

“A lot of times, caregivers could be very isolated because they’re so focused on taking care of their loved ones. It’s just a time for all of them to come together with other people in similar situations and just get out of the house,” she said.

Indeed, a 2024 Alzheimer’s Association report showed 6 in 10 caregivers experienced high to very high stress levels, as well as high levels of depression (about one-third) and anxiety (nearly half).

CAA has hosted memory cafés across Pinal and Gila Counties for several years, but this will be its first such event in Maricopa. Past events have included games, food and live entertainment, as well as an opportunity for caregivers to receive training and resources.

While the final location is still in the works, Myers said the event will take place Sept. 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The first memory café will offer refreshments, games and the opportunity to learn something new, said organizers.

“We want people to come to eat, have fun, socialize,” Meyers said.

The event is free. Registration is required.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Myers at 520-836-2758 or email [email protected].