One of our amazing senior living communities in Seattle, WA, Murano Senior Living, collaborated with the University of Washington’s Memory Hub community center in hosting the first ever "Bridges Bistro". This inspiring initiative showcased the talents and capabilities of individuals living with dementia, creating a powerful platform to raise awareness and foster inclusivity.
A Vision Realized
Bridges Bistro was conceived with a clear mission: to demonstrate what people living with dementia can accomplish with the right support, while fostering community acceptance and understanding. The event was the culmination of months of planning and collaboration between Murano Senior Living, the UW Memory Hub, and a dedicated team of supporters. Led by Erin, the Murano Memory Care Director, and her team, this project brought a longstanding vision to life—showcasing the potential and abilities of memory care residents in a meaningful way.
From Concept to Reality
The idea for Bridges Bistro originated in the spring of 2024, when Marigrace Becker from the UW Memory Hub approached Murano General Manager Eric Piekarz. Together with Sarah Pfeiffer, a Master of Social Work student, the team began to shape their vision into a tangible event. Weekly planning meetings ensured every detail was considered, from feedback surveys with people living with dementia and their care partner, to refining the event’s approach to be fully dementia-friendly.
The name “Bridges Bistro” reflects Murano’s upcoming Bridges Program, symbolizing the connection between the dementia community and the broader public. With a carefully designed logo and an emphasis on support and empowerment, the team’s dedication shone through every aspect of the event.
Preparing for Success
To ensure a smooth and inclusive experience, the planning team:
Surveyed people living with dementia and care partners to gauge interest and gather feedback.
Recruited four servers from Murano’s Alder community and four from the UW Memory Hub.
Assigned each server a designated support person to provide tailored assistance.
Collaborated with Murano’s team members to create a simplified menu and efficient ordering system.
Designed assistive tools such as trays, push carts, pens on lanyards, and visual aids to support servers.
Each server received a name tag, apron, and clipboard to foster a sense of professionalism. On the day of the event, a family-style meal allowed the servers to sample the menu, while a brief orientation set an uplifting tone, emphasizing that mistakes were okay and growth was the goal.
The Event
Bridges Bistro featured three staggered seatings to optimize individualized attention. Servers were responsible for up to four diners, supported by their care partners and tools. A designated Server Station offered a space for rest and regulation when needed.
The results were heartwarming. Despite some minor challenges, all servers completed their tasks successfully. Their feedback highlighted feelings of accomplishment and pride, underscoring the event’s positive impact. One server shared, “I felt so good about myself, especially when I got discouraged but was able to finish my tables.”
Bridges Bistro is a perfect example of our memory care program supporting the Montessori-style approach to dementia. By focusing on the possibilities and providing the right support, residents are capable of so much. To learn more about this memory care approach, check out this video.
Impact and Reflection
Bridges Bistro was more than a dining experience; it was a bridge between the dementia community and the wider world. By showcasing the strengths and resilience of individuals living with dementia, the event helped to break down the stigmas associated with that, and foster a sense of belonging.
As the memory care team looks toward the future, the success of Bridges Bistro serves as a reminder of what’s possible when passion, collaboration, and vision come together. This initiative not only raised awareness but also demonstrated the transformative power of community support.
For a closer look at the inspiration behind Bridges Bistro, watch this video: Restaurant of Mistaken Orders.