Bucher (right) speaking to guests at the cafe during a meet-up.
THE Bougainvillea City Dementia Cafe in Ipoh is a one-of-a-kind cafe that does not serve food and beverages.
It, however, serves people with dementia and their families by providing support as they carry on with their daily lives.
Cafe coordinator and dementia advocate Peter J. Bucher said the premises, located at 1, Jalan Lasam in Greentown, provides an opportunity for people to share experiences and get reliable information on dementia care.
“The cafe is not a kopitiam or a hipster cafe as no food and drinks are served.
“Its atmosphere is inspired by French cafes as it has a cosy and warm ambience for meet-ups with friends and like-minded folk.
“We have time to chat with other attendees, hold short talks by guest speakers, and try alternative therapies or activities like art, music, song and dance,” he said, adding that he believes this is the first such cafe in Malaysia.
Also known as Pak Peter, Bucher said the cafe helps reduce isolation which is a major factor in developing depression and anxiety, and worsening cognition.
“It helps people with dementia feel accepted and appreciated while reducing social stigma. Bear in mind, the stigma attached to dementia can be more harmful than the disease.
“The cafe is a place where guests feel comfortable since there are no expectations,” he said, adding that the cafe was inaugurated on Nov 15 last year.
“At the core, dementia cafes focus on the person and not the disease. The focus is on who the person is now and what they need and respond to.
“It is about letting them be themselves which can be freeing,” he added.
Bucher, whose wife Irene John was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, said more efforts were needed to create awareness for people living with dementia.
“This is among the reasons we set up the cafe.
“I heard about these cafes in Europe and took the initiative to contact the Irish Dementia Cafe Network (IDCN) to learn how to set the cafe up,” he said.
There are four core values at the heart of every dementia cafe – atmosphere, information, support and community, said Bucher.
“IDCN was supportive and generous in sharing information and we have also been accepted as an IDCN associate member.”
The cafe is now working closely with other non-governmental organisations like Beyond Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia, Dementia Society of Perak and the Dementia Advocacy Alliance.
“We are also getting registered with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia,” he added.
Cafe meet-ups are held every third Tuesday of the month between 9.30am and noon.
“Our slogan is ‘quality life matters’. We welcome anyone who is affected by dementia.
“The average attendance for the first few gatherings was 19 people. There is space for a few more,” Boucher said, adding that the cafe is run by a local voluntary steering committee.
More information can be found at their “Dementia Cafe of Ipoh” Facebook page. Alternatively, WhatsApp 019-574 3572.
Bucher (right) speaking to guests at the cafe during a meet-up.
Guests at the Bougainvillea City Dementia Cafe taking part in a painting activity.
