A group of people enters a Lisbon restaurant looking for a different dinner. At first glance, everything seems common: menu, composite tables, aligned glasses. But there is a detail that changes everything: table employees have Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
The initiative is called “Restaurant of the deceit” and took place at the Beer Museum, in Terreiro do Paço, in Lisbon. Created in order to raise awareness of the inclusion of people with dementia, this project had the direct involvement of the Alzheimer Portugal Association and the Yellow Heart Association.
The idea came to demystify prejudices about the disease and create a real experience that confront the audience with the challenges of their daily lives. As its name suggests, dinner has been prepared to allow mistakes, and these mistakes have become the key to reflection.
A dinner with planned failures
According to Alzheimer Portugal, the goal was to demonstrate that, with proper support, people with dementia can remain active and integrated into society. The ‘mistakes’ were not flaws to hide, but part of the message that was wanted to pass.
The project involved specific training for participants, who, despite the diagnosis, performed reception, service and interaction with customers. The response of the guests was empathy, surprise and respect.
Breast Test Prejudices set
The public newspaper writes that the event was a true “challenge to perceptions”, demonstrating that the disease does not erase dignity or human value. Several guests reported that the experience has changed the way they face aging and memory loss.
The Yellow Heart Association, which collaborates in loneliness volunteer programs, stressed that this experience also aimed to combat isolation and stimulate the social contact of people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Taking care of memory starts by listening
According to the same source, the event was carefully prepared to ensure safety and well-being to all involved. Health professionals discreetly accompanied the entire service.
The initiative fits the actions of the world month of Alzheimer’s disease, celebrated in September, and was considered an innovative example of social activism and community empathy.
A provocative name to break silences
The provocative name of the restaurant was consciously chosen. He intended to generate curiosity and break taboos. And did it. The media repercussion was immediate and generated public debate on inclusion and mental health.
According to the Directorate-General for Health, it is estimated that there are more than 200,000 people with dementia in Portugal, with Alzheimer’s the most common form. Most remain at home, dependent on informal caregivers.
With dishes and lessons served at the table
The main message of the night was clear: it is not just diseases, but people. People with stories, wills and abilities that persist, even when memory fails.
Customers were challenged to deal with delays, confusion and forgetfulness, but with a clear purpose: to put themselves in the other’s shoes, even for two hours.
It refers that the impact was so positive that future editions are planned, in other parts of the country. The desire is to replicate the model and involve more restoration and health partners.
More than dinner: a reunion with dignity
This action did not just sought to sensitize the public. It also served as a stimulus for the participants themselves, who described the experience as enriching, fun and rewarding.
Some relatives of the “employees for a day” were present at the event and stated that they were thrilled and proud of the initiative. For many, it was a rare opportunity to see their loved ones valued in public.
Explains the organization that all recipes of the event reversed to direct support programs to people with dementia and their families, as a way to extend the impact of the initiative.
The “Mistakes Restaurant” did not want to be an isolated symbolic gesture. It was a direct invitation to reflection, made at the table, with cutlery, dishes and humanity. At the end of the night, whoever was there was no indifferent. Because, as many said, no dishes were served, lessons were served.
Also read:
