Since July 2009, the Stein Senior Center has offered a special program to address the needs of seniors with early-stage dementia.  First, as the “Service Program for Adults” (SPA), and now as “Serenity,” this program provides a safe and stimulating social experience for those dealing with the challenges of dementia.  Motivating participants to form friendships, encouraging socialization, and engagement in stimulating activities are essential objectives of the program. To those ends, sessions of music, exercise, creative writing, Q & A, and painting are included.

We know that creating a safe environment is key, as is ensuring that the staff who interact with participants are professional, qualified and effective facilitators.  Serenity is led by a licensed Social Worker, a trained associate, and an occasional volunteer nursing student.  Special classes and activities are facilitated by professional consultants.

The program takes place at the Stein Senior Center on Mondays and Fridays from noon to 3pm.

There is a wide range of activities designed to stimulate and engage the Serenity participants.  These include: interaction in family-style meals, participation in guided discussions, rhythm and movement exercise, storytelling, arts and culture.  Such shared experiences promote the growth of friendship and support within the group, which is underscored by a mutual understanding of shared challenges.

In addition to the stimulation and engagement provided to the Serenity participants, this program offers important benefits for caregivers.  We know that a caregiver’s life is physically and emotionally demanding. Having a loved-one spend time at Serenity allows caregivers a needed respite, providing time for self-care with the knowledge that their loved-one will be safe, stimulated, and cared for.

Serenity is located at the Stein Senior Center in the Gramercy Park area of Manhattan, in close proximity to the MTA number 5 and 6 trains and various buses, the Veterans Administration, NYU Langone Hospital, & Baruch College.

Find out More about Serenity

If you or someone you know is dealing with early-stage dementia you know that isolation, loneliness, and depression can occur.  If you think that participating in a compassionate group that offers recreational and socialization experiences, in a safe and welcoming environment, could be beneficial, please contact us for more information.    We would be happy to make an appointment to discuss the program with you.  
 
Please email us at: serenity@steinseniorcenter.org