More than a dozen people visited Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm this Tuesday to participate in AgeSpan’s Memory Café. The event is a monthly staple in AgeSpan’s Family Caregiver Support Program and offers people experiencing memory loss and their caregivers the chance to connect and socialize with others in a judgment-free, supportive environment. Although the program continued virtually through the pandemic, this was the first in-person Memory Café event in three years.
Ironstone Farm was privileged to host such a monumental and magical event. The therapeutic effects animals can have on those with memory issues is something the organization has witnessed countless times in its own Touch Therapy program. The open space, fresh air, and time spent among horses create a tranquil and immediately immersive environment for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The group spent the hour in the farm’s large riding arena petting, grooming, and talking with the horses, Jessica and Desmond, as well as the resident donkey, Spud. Smiles, laughter, and stories filled every corner of the space.
Bob (86) shares a special moment with Spud the miniature donkey
One participant beamed when asked about her experience. “This is my dream,” she smiled. “I just love horses.” Her caretaker gave a knowing nod. “She does love horses,” he added. “I take her for long drives every day all around Massachusetts so she can look at horses. This makes her happy.”
Spud the donkey stole the show, forming a special bond with 86-year-old participant Robert M as he cuddled up next to his walker. When asked what he thought about his “snuggle time” with Spud, he couldn’t stop smiling. “This is so peaceful,” he whispered. Robert and his wife Janet spent much of their time petting Spud and Jessica, walking arm in arm as they made their way slowly between horses.
For many participants, the social benefits from the program were just as important as the physical touch. Staff and volunteers took their time to chat with participants as they greeted the animals, something Ironstone Farm volunteer Karen Coppola knows can be greatly beneficial. Outside of the farm, Coppola works as a Dementia Coach helping families and caregivers navigate the journey through dementia. She was instrumental in helping Ironstone and AgeSpan connect to get this program off the ground.
Volunteer Karen Coppola (center) helps a participant during a grooming session
Volunteer Karen Coppola (center) helps a participant during a grooming session
Volunteer Karen Coppola (center) helps a participant during a grooming session.
“This program is about being in the moment,” said Coppola. “People will talk about things that happened 30, 40, 50 years ago, and you meet them where they are. To be in that moment and to not try to change them all the time. And that’s the best part of this [program], is that they can be in the moment.”
Never before have programs like the partnership between AgeSpan and Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm been more relevant. As of 2023, there are currently an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s and dementia touch so many lives, and Ironstone Farm’s own Executive Director, Kerri Whalen, is no exception.
“Memory loss has deeply impacted my family, and I know it impacts hundreds and thousands more. The isolation and stress for caregivers is very real,” Whalen said. “I am so honored to be a part of an organization that is providing solutions and positive experiences for families.” For Whalen, supporting and caring for the people impacted by memory loss is a firm priority. Ironstone Farm hopes to continue the partnership with AgeSpan as well as other local organizations to receive funding and resources to offer additional Memory Cafés throughout the years ahead.
If the experience with Tuesday’s program was any indication, there are sure to be many more events like this in the future. “I’m so glad our first in-person Memory café was at Ironstone,” said AgeSpan’s Family Caregiver Support Program Specialist, Lyn Brennan. “The beautiful animals brought a sense of calmness to the group. We were all lost in our virtual world, only seeing each other in little zoom squares during the pandemic. Being outside and seeing each other in person was just what we all needed. Thank you to Ironstone for making the day special.”
For more information on our Touch Therapy programs, email [email protected].