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anchored to a community. I’m really sad If you are new to life with dementia, or
that it took a pandemic to make it happen, needing the boost of being with others
but now that virtual events are here, I really on the same journey, consider joining a
hope they don’t go away.”2 virtual dementia community. You can try
Many initially said, “I’m too old for all out several to find the communities that
that technology.” But we adapted. Family serve you. Sharing time with those on the
members set up the computer for mom same path can make a huge difference.
and dad to use easily; organizations offered For more information contact Dr. Cate at
training courses on successful virtual drcatedementiacoach@gmail.com.
participation. Telephone calls and video By-line
chats became more vital than ever. With
the right support, we see that indeed Dr. Cate’s background in nursing, activities
and admissions has given her a passionate
we learned new technology. We have
developed deeper friendships and stronger commitment to quality of life for the
support than we had from simply attending individual and family with dementia. Cate
live events. is currently the care partner for her spouse
who has early-stage dementia of the
The new reality of virtual connection is that Alzheimer’s type.
it is stronger than imaginable. In fact, most
organizations polled said that they would
take the new and add it to the old.
What kind of virtual dementia
communities are available?
• Support Groups
• Memory Cafes
• Mentoring for Care Partners

• Team Training
• Family Coaching
• Grief Counseling
One of the perks of virtual gatherings
is developing community with care
partners from different parts of the globe.
A University of Texas study found that
attendees of virtual memory cafes reported Dr. Cate
themes of inclusivity and connectiveness
even from those in geographically remote
locations.4 What we all share is life with
dementia.

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