The Gathering (group respite)

A stimulating in-person program for people living with memory loss that provides four hours of respite for their family caregivers.

The Gathering is a group respite program that provides four hours of brain-stimulating activities and social engagement to adults experiencing early- to mid-stage memory loss, allowing their family members and/or friends to take a much-needed break from caregiving.  The program is led by Lyngblomsten staff with support from a team of volunteers who are specially trained to understand the distinctive needs of people experiencing memory loss.

• Sessions of The Gathering are held from 10 AM to 2 PM weekly on the Lyngblomsten campus in St. Paul and at St. John in the Wilderness Church in White Bear Lake.
• Participants attend the same session each week, forming a cohort.  This allows them and their caregivers to develop relationships and a support network with others in their cohort.
• During a session of The Gathering, participants, volunteers, and staff enjoy activities that stimulate the brain and promote community.  Examples include music, games, exercise, discussion groups, art activities, guest speakers, and more!
• Caregivers have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with a Lyngblomsten Caregiver Specialist for resources and support and to participate in a weekly online Caregiver Connect Group.

Lyngblomsten Community Services is taking precautions to protect the health and safety of in-person program participants from COVID-19, following all applicable guidance from federal and state health agencies for mitigating the potential spread of the virus.

For more information:

Contact Lyngblomsten Community Services at 651.632.5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.