Going to the movies is common pastime but, for people living life with dementia, it can be a challenge. The buildings can be confusing, movies don’t have breaks and the expectations of being quiet can be overwhelming to patients and caregivers. Our goal was to plan a program that would provide a positive movie going experience to dementia patients and their caregivers in a safe and trusted space.

Working with a team of experts, we designed a multi-sensory program for patients and caregivers, allowing them to enjoy and engage in the movie going experience. Every program features the smell of popcorn, performances by local musicians, breaks for activities and discussion and a small gift at the end. Volunteers are plentiful, helping with directions, answering questions, and facilitating small group discussions. These have ranged from laughter and romance to baseball and the Oscars.

Offered every other month, Movies and Memories events have averaged 66 attendees since launching in November 2016. The overriding mood is one of joy; participants often express gratitude for having a comfortable space where people understand their circumstances. The program has been a springboard for staff training to become more dementia-friendly and for additional dementia-friendly library programs including a monthly Memory Café. The planning team has also helped other community organizations replicate the program.