A Kawartha Lakes resident is striving to create safe and enjoyable dining experiences in the community for people who have dementia.
Susan Fisher, managing director of Silver Lights Senior Services in Lindsay, is encouraging local restaurants to help her serve “Meals that Matter” in the Kawartha Lakes.
“I started Meals that Matter because I’ve seen firsthand how isolating dementia can be, for both the person living with it and the people who love them,” Fisher told kawarthaNOW.
“My mother lived with Alzheimer’s and walking that journey with her opened my eyes, beyond my professional experience, to the daily challenges families face — the loneliness, the loss of connection, and how something as simple as going out for a meal can suddenly feel overwhelming.”
“I wanted to create a space here in Kawartha Lakes where people could come together monthly in a safe, welcoming environment and enjoy something most of us take for granted — where laughter is shared, dignity is preserved, and no one feels alone,” Fisher added.
She said the initiative is her way of both honouring her mom’s memory and supporting others who are walking a similar path by providing “warmth, understanding, and good food at the heart of it all.”
Earlier in June, Fisher teamed up with Charmin’s Wholesome Foods Catering and The Club House in Lindsay for the inaugural Meals that Matter event. Several people from different groups gathered for a meal.
According to Fisher, the event was a success and the feedback from caregivers has been extremely encouraging.
“They especially appreciated the calm, quiet environment, the easy-to-read simplified menus, and the genuine kindness and patience shown by (Charmin’s Wholesome Foods Catering and The Club House staff) who made everyone feel so welcome,” Fisher said.
“It was a powerful reminder that small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference for those living with dementia and their families. We’re so lucky to have (Charmin’s owner Charmin Eckertt) as part of the Meals that Matter initiative and our community.”
Fisher said the pilot event was even more meaningful because it took place during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
“It felt especially fitting to launch Meals that Matter in June, a time dedicated to raising awareness, showing support, and starting conversations about brain health and dementia.”
“Bringing people together around the table in such a thoughtful, inclusive way was a powerful reminder of the impact small acts of kindness and community can have, especially during a month that holds such significance.”
Fisher also gave a shout-out to Gail Elliot, founder of DementiAbility Enterprises Inc., a partner in the Meals that Matter initiative. Elliot developed specialized training materials for the participating business and helped Fisher work out all of the details for the event.
To date, Charmin’s Wholesome Foods Catering and The Club House has been the only local restaurant to step up and join the Meals that Matter initiative.
Fisher is hoping for an encore and is looking to more local restaurants in the Kawartha Lakes to host seniors and their caregivers and families for a meal and take steps to make their dining spaces dementia-friendly.
“As we look ahead to our July event, we’re currently searching for one lucky local business to open their doors and offer their space for a truly meaningful cause,” Fisher said.
“This is a chance to not only support individuals and families living with dementia but to show that our community can lead the way in creating inclusive, compassionate spaces where everyone feels welcome.”
For more information and to inquire about hosting and creating a dementia-friendly dining space, email Fisher at susan.fisher@silverlightsseniorservices.com.
