Memory Lane Cafe at The Nottingham Irish Centre

15/06/2026

26/05/2026

Our next session is this Thursday 28th of May. We'll have cake and cold drinks available if its still as warm 😎

29/04/2026

If you’ve ever worried about saying the wrong thing to a person with dementia, you’re not alone.

For someone living with dementia, memory problems and difficulties with language can make communicating clearly tricky, although each person’s experience will be different.

That’s why we wanted to share some phrases that it may be best to avoid, and some helpful approaches to try instead

1. ‘Do you remember when…?’ – Rather than posing a question, lead with ‘I remember when…' That way, the person can search their memory calmly without feeling embarrassed, and join in if they like.

2. 'Nobody is stealing from you!' – If the incorrect belief isn’t causing any harm or anxiety, you may not need to correct them. If it is causing distress, comfort them and remind them they are safe. Gently try and shift their focus to something they enjoy.

3. 'Your brother died 10 years ago' – Reminding someone a loved one has died can be very painful. Some people can find it comforting to talk about the person. Distraction techniques can also be useful, but try not to avoid the question if they keep asking.

4. 'I've just told you that!' – Try to remember that the person can’t help repeating themselves. Answer repeated questions calmly and patiently, with an even tone of voice.

5. 'What did you do this morning?' – Open-ended questions about the past can be stressful for a person with dementia. Try speaking briefly about your day and give them time to ask you questions about it, or talk to them about the present.

6. 'Do you recognise me?' – Avoid asking questions that feel like a test. Judge for yourself the best way to greet them, but keep it friendly. A warm hello could suffice, or it may help to say your name and your relationship to them each time.

7. 'Let’s have a cup of tea, then we can go for walk, and then...’ – Your loved one may find it hard to grasp long, complex sentences. Try giving directions or instructions one step at a time. Use short, simple sentences, and give them plenty of time to process what you’re saying.

8. 'I'll just help you use your little spoon there, love?' – It’s fine to speak slower than usual, but keep your tone of voice the same as normal. Try not to talk down to them. It’s usually best to avoid pet names. This helps keep their dignity intact.

For more advice and support, call the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.

29/04/2026

Next session tomorrow 30th April 12pm until 2pm, join us for a sing along 😀

Memory Lane Cafe, this coming Thursday 26th of March 12pm - 2pm.
We have an Easter theme on this session with our lovely Fran Lakin leading the Easter bonnet making.
Come along for some fun, cake and refreshment and hats!
Please let us know if you can attend, so that we enough cake and refreshments.
Please share 🍰☕️ 🐇🥚👒

24/03/2026

Memory Lane Cafe, this coming Thursday 26th of March 12pm - 2pm.
We have an Easter theme on this session with our lovely Fran Lakin leading the Easter bonnet making.
Come along for some fun, cake and refreshment and hats!
Please let us know if you can attend, so that we enough cake and refreshments.
Please share 🍰☕️ 🐇🥚👒

02/12/2025

Support your local churches.

25/11/2025

Our last session for this year will take place this Thursday 27th of November 12pm - 2pm. Get in the Christmas spirit with a sing-a-long, mince pies and refreshments. Please let us know if you can attend 🎄🎅🙂

23/09/2025

Our next session is this Thursday 25th September 12pm - 2pm 👍

24/06/2025

This coming Thursday - 26th June. All welcome, please contact Sheila to confirm your attendance 🙂