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.

The Gathering is relaunching in the fall of 2021 after being temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Highlights of the program include:

• Sessions of The Gathering will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM weekly at sites in St. Paul and 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 Cohort Group.

2nd Half with Lyngblomsten 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 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten at 651.632.5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org

In addition to The Gathering, 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten is offering an online group respite program for people living with memory loss and their family caregivers.  Visit our Group eRespite page for more information.

Lyngblomsten Caregiver Services is supported, in part, by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation and is funded under contract with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act. Fees for respite programs are based on household income and caregivers are asked to make a monthly contribution.