New Day Center “Sarah’s Garden” in Riga Offers Dignified Rehabilitation for People with Dementia

On January 20, the Malta Order Aid Service launched a day care center named “Sarah’s Garden” (Sāras dārzs) in Riga, specifically designed for individuals with dementia. Contrary to common misconceptions, the center is not simply a “daycare for adults”; it offers structured and professional rehabilitation led by qualified social workers and rehabilitation therapists.

Daily activities include morning exercises and seated dances, creative workshops, intellectual discussions, music and art therapy, as well as canistherapy (therapy with dogs). A multisensory room equipped with massage chairs, light and aroma therapy helps reduce anxiety. Currently, about 15 clients attend regularly out of nearly 30 registered.

Inese Motte, head of the Malta Order Aid Service in Latvia, emphasizes that dementia is not a final verdict – proper rehabilitation and social interaction can slow the disease’s progression and restore joy in life. “We cannot erase dementia, but we can bring back the will to live,” she says.

The organization has been active in Latvia since 2021, with seven paid employees and around 70 volunteers, many of whom are Ukrainian war refugees who once received aid themselves. The service also runs a soup kitchen in Saldus serving up to 140 hot meals daily, and monthly food packages for elderly living alone in Riga and other regions.

“Sarah’s Garden” is currently funded as an EU innovation project implemented by the Society Integration Foundation, making the service free for clients with an official dementia diagnosis. Negotiations with the Riga City Council Welfare Department are underway to secure continued funding after the project ends. Future plans include launching “Maltese Cafés” – preventive meetings for people with early memory loss.

The center is seeking volunteers; more information is available at www.maltiesi.lv or on their Facebook page “Maltas ordeņa palīdzības dienests”.