Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) partnered with two Councils on Aging (COAs) to offer a very special Memory Café on Valentine’s Day.

A memory café is a gathering for people living with memory loss and the person who cares for them, often a family member. The café provides an accepting environment to spend quality time together, participate in an activity, and make connections with people sharing similar experiences.

Yesterday’s gathering took place at the Stoneham COA and included music, food and a craft activity. It was the result of a collaboration between the MVES Caregiver Support Program, the Stoneham COA and the Reading COA.(Please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MysticValleyElderServices to view additional photos from the event.)

The Memory Café is usually open to all, but in honor of the holiday, this session was focused on couples. It was touching to see the couples share their love stories while creating a Valentine-themed craft to share with each other.

“It’s a privilege to share these moments and celebrate Valentine’s Day with couples who have been together for decades – many have spent over 50 years together,” said Kathy Learned, Caregiver Support Coordinator for MVES.

To learn more about the MVES Caregiver Support Program and other services for older adults and caregivers, or about memory cafés throughout MVES’ service area, call 781-324-7705.