Inside the Memory Cafe: Support, Joy, and Community for Older Arizonans

Attendees at Memory Cafe showing their completed art project.

Central Arizona Aging (CAA) has become a lifeline for seniors, adults with disabilities, and the caregivers who support them in Pinal and Gila Counties. Among its many services, one of the most cherished is the Memory Café, a warm, welcoming gathering designed for people experiencing memory loss and the loved ones who walk that journey with them. These cafés offer more than just activities; they create a safe space where isolation fades and new connections take root.

“We try to make this a memorable event by bringing different activities,” explained Gladys Juarez, CAA’s case management supervisor. “We try to make it sort of like a date night, since most of the participants are actually couples. Some of the activities include an art activity, live entertainment, bingo, or other games.”

For Gladys, the purpose of the Memory Café goes far beyond entertainment. It’s about restoring something many families lose when caring for someone with memory challenges: community.

“Most often these individuals, these couples, these families, usually stay in their home and don't get to experience any type of relief or a break,” she shared. “[At the Memory Café], they get to meet other families and individuals as well who are going through the same journey. It's a way for them to connect.”

The Memory Café meets once a month, always during the same week, giving families something consistent to look forward to, providing a small but meaningful anchor in lives that can often feel unpredictable.

This work is strengthened by a close partnership between the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and CAA. Together, they ensure that older adults and caregivers have access to the support they need.

“We rely on them just as much as they rely on us,” said Martha Myers, Director of Independent Living Services at CAA. “We seek guidance from them regarding rules and regulations, and they are open to hearing from us about how these rules apply in real life.”

The Memory Café is just one example of the many services offered through DAAS and CAA. Families can also access caregiver support groups, educational workshops, housing assistance, and much more. To explore the full range of programs, visit the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS).