As COVID-19 Subsides, Online Memory Cafes for Dementia Linger

Mental health therapists in Colorado and the UK independently developed Minecraft-based therapy sessions during the pandemic when traditional play therapy moved online. Therapists create secure virtual worlds where children and teens can engage in therapeutic activities through gameplay. Those who participate are more animated and engaged, and typically never miss a Minecraft session, unlike traditional therapy.

The Tufunguke initiative works to raise awareness, educate and provide a community for those experiencing mental health issues. Tufunguke creates a safe space both online through social media platforms and in person through events for people to come together to discuss mental health and get connected with care resources Tufunguke reaches about 100,000 people a month through its many social media accounts.

The Me-We program is an app-based approach to providing support to young people who have taken on the role of caregiver for their parent or guardian. The program offers group sessions aimed at teaching teens to manage difficult emotions and their mental health, education resources and a private journal. The app is targeted toward teens ages 15 to 17 and is available in several European countries, though there are plans to implement it in the U.S.

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium provides telehealth services to more than 100,000 Alaska Natives, primarily in small communities with limited access to travel. The organization, along with others like the Indian Health Service, also provide remote care to families with children with developmental needs, like those with autism.

The mental health profession can lead to intense burnout, specifically for mental health professionals of color. Some facilities are launching efforts like the Stay Well program to address burnout including promoting cultural competency among all professionals, recruiting and training more practitioners of color, limiting the hours worked per week, emphasizing self-care and providing virtual work options and vacation days.

The Partners in Caring Respite program pairs volunteers with people in the early stages of cognitive neurological disorders — like dementia — to offer care and companion programs, allowing them to build relationships and provide respite for family caregivers. Partners in Caring has expended to four counties across the state, serving over 400 families with its 70 on-call volunteers.

A small, participant-led weekly arts and crafts group in Barrow has helped around 15 men living with mental health conditions, dementia, and autism build social connections and overcome anxiety-related challenges.

The Art Experience provides free art therapy classes for caregivers, offering a space for them to gather for respite and creative self-expression. At the classes, caregivers learn mindfulness, self-care practices and meet one-on-one with certified art therapists to discuss their individual situations and learn ways to cope with stress.

Trualta is an online resource that provides free training, tips and other resources for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. The platform is available in 32 states and has been used by more than 12,000 caregivers since it was rolled out in May 2022. Studies have found caregivers who use the app feel more confident in providing care and overall less burnt out.

The Castle Center provides adults with dementia in need of assistance care during the day. Open five days a week, the center offers participants meals, medication monitoring, personal care assistance with the help of nurses and volunteers, socialization and activities like arts and crafts. The Center also offers time off for caregivers — like family members — who often care for people with dementia 24/7.