Background: Memory cafés are a growing community based response to supporting people living with dementia and their carers. They are now well established in the UK and elsewhere; with over forty cafés in Cornwall. Despite their growth, there has been little research into their structure, aims and impact.
Aims: The aim of this research was to explore how and why memory cafés work for people living with dementia and their carers.
Methodology: Realist methodology is a theory driven approach that seeks to explain why a programme works, for whom and in what circumstances. The research consisted of three stages. Firstly, the development of initial programme theories through a realist review. Secondly, the testing and refinement of those theories, and the development of new theories through a realist evaluation. Thirdly, the formulation of a conceptual platform from the programme theories of how and why memory cafés work. The realist evaluation used ethnographic approaches of observation and in-situ interviews in four memory cafés, to enable a greater understanding of the café structures, processes and reported benefits.
Results: A conceptual platform comprising twelve core processes of how and why memory cafés work was developed from nine programme theories. Cafés generally adopted a volunteer-led, more structured approach or a guest-led, unstructured approach. Memory cafes are multi-faceted; providing a safe place where people with dementia and their carers can meet with others in a similar situation, and engage in a range of activities. Furthermore, they provide a place of continuity for a carer once their loved one has passed away. They create opportunities for humour and laughter, outside of normal routines and can be a source of information on other services. Most importantly they enable the development of relationships.
Conclusions: Memory cafés provide a valuable community based service to people living with and affected by dementia.
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC
