We often talk about the importance of expanding respite opportunities for family caregivers, who need dedicated space and time to take a break and attend to their own needs to maintain their health and wellbeing.
It’s also important to note that respite can take many forms. For example, Dementia Friendly Services has developed a novel take on respite that allows caregivers to enjoy enriching experiences alongside their loved ones who are living with dementia and collectively take a break from the care experience.
It’s an approach that the project’s leaders consider respite with the person receiving care, rather than respite away from them.
ENJOYING A DAY AT THE MOVIES
The Dementia Friendly Movie program brings people with dementia out into their communities for monthly screenings of classic films in a theater environment tailored to meet their needs.
“Our goal is to provide people with dementia — and also their care partners — with a chance to have fun. It’s not what people typically think of, but I can’t imagine that’s not respite,” said Dementia Friendly Services founder and board president Jim Mangi. “People often tell us this is the first time in years they’ve been able to go out and just do something fun.”
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, a crowd of approximately 100 attended a screening of the 1968 film, Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell, at the Emagine Theater in Saline. As attendees filtered in, they were met by a large and welcoming group of volunteers, guided through stations to pick up popcorn and drinks, and escorted into a well-lit theater with ramps and other modifications designed to provide an accessible and stress-free experience.
Meanwhile, experienced direct care workers were on hand to assist with mobility concerns and bathroom breaks, allowing caregivers to take a breath and enjoy the movie alongside their loved ones.
Before and after the film, Dementia Friendly Services volunteers and staff led the crowd through games and trivia, and audience members are encouraged to enjoy the event in whatever way is most natural to them — including singing along or dancing to music from the film.
CREATING DEMENTIA FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES
In addition to the benefits for people with dementia and caregivers, the movie program also provides an example of dementia friendly principles to educate other community members, spread awareness of resources, and combat the stigma that too often is associated with dementia.
Lori Venable is a Dementia Friendly Services board member and has been a part of the organization since its founding in 2019. She’s been a care partner to her husband Tom since 2018 and leads the organization’s memory café program as a volunteer.
She notes that attending the movie screenings brings her energy
and confirmation that there’s a supportive community around her that understands and cares about her experience.
“Dementia affects so many people in one way or another, but there are still some people on the journey who don’t want other people to know,” Venable said. “As other people come into the theater, they see what we’re doing, and it benefits the community in general. The more exposure people have, the better understanding they have of what it means to be dementia friendly.”
SUPPORTING EXPANSION
The movie program was launched in Saline and has been operating there monthly for several years. A 2024 Health Fund grant is helping Dementia Friendly Services develop partnerships with theaters and invest in resources needed to expand the initiative to seven other Michigan communities.
Emagine Theaters — deemed “the corporate partners from heaven” by Mangi — has provided close coordination, staff resources, and visible community support for the initiative. Expansion could include additional Emagine locations in Woodhaven and Hartland, while the organization is in talks with independent theaters in locations including Grand Rapids and Adrian to replicate the program.
Given the Health Fund’s priority interest in supporting people with dementia, as well as our investments in caregiving support and respite, we look forward to following and learning from the expansion of this creative and enriching program in different communities across the state.