ADULT DAY SERVICES
SENIORS ON THE MOVE!

I bet you have seen our little red vans all over Park Slope and beyond this year—that is because we have been on the move!

This year our seniors had the pleasure of going to the movies at BAM Senior Cinema Program, taking our annual boat cruise on Spirit Cruises, trips to the farmers markets, and to hear a variety of presentations from guest speakers. The staff may be pooped, but the seniors sure are not. We are planning more exciting trips for the fall such as apple picking, a museum trip, and more trips to BAM and the farmers markets.

We are also very excited to let you know that we have made great improvements in our programming for both centers. In response to the requests of our seniors, we now have “break out groups” that encourage them to choose from a variety of projects such as jewelry making, weaving, painting, knitting, board games, Spanish language classes, and more. Our seniors are excited to have more choices every day and the opportunity to get to know new members and show them the ropes. At the Prospect Park West center for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, we noticed that our clients were experiencing varying degrees of cognitive impairments.

To best meet the needs of our clients, and made possible by a grant from the Brookdale Foundation Group, we have started an Early Memory Loss program called “The Lotus Group.” The group meets twice a week and has programming specially designed to s t r e n g t h e n memory, provide peer to peer support, and increase socialization. We are also dedicating a portion of the Lotus Group programming to address their spirit and these activities include journaling, meditation, and yoga. We have already seen great improvements in this group’s cognitive ability and energy, and we hope to offer the program five days a week soon.

We are excited about all the new things to come in the next few months. Thanks to everyone who helps make PSGDC the great center it is!

—Roslyn Watson-Singh, Director of Adult Day Services

Photo: Enjoying a festive occasion at PSGDC’s 14th Street Center. Photo by Evelyn Vasquez.

 

FAMILY CAREGIVER PROJECT

It has been quite a year for PSGDC’s Family Caregiver Project! In addition to serving over 150 caregivers with information, referrals, respite, group and individual counseling, we have provided our caregivers with much needed care supplies such as: wheelchairs, nutritional supplements, and personal care supplies. Our dedicated staff members, Evelyn, Gwen, Ann, and I have made numerous home visits in order to assist our working and disabled caregivers. Our goal is to give people as much support and training as needed for them to care for their loved ones without burning out.

This season we have several support groups, workshops, and recreational activities to meet our caregiver’s needs. There is the men’s group, a Spanish language group, and our regular caregiver group. In collaboration with the Alzheimer’s’ Association we have a monthly “Understanding Dementia” workshop. While our groups and workshops are designed to be practical and empowering, we also know that sometimes caregivers just want to have fun. So we have a monthly game night and plans for a holiday gathering and a Valentine’s Day Ball.

PSGDC’s Family Caregiver Project understands that families come in all shapes and sizes, and we are committed to providing culturally competent care to the LGBT community. Through our LGBT services, we are able to create a safe space where LGBT caregivers and seniors can obtain supportive and concrete services. We actively reach out to the LGBT community through collaborations with other Brooklyn LGBT organizations and by participating in major events such as Brooklyn Pride.

For more information about the Family Caregiver Project please call us at (718) 499-7701, ext. 114.

—Michelle Laguerre, Director

---

WISH LIST

• Adult Diapers **really needed**

• Silverware

• Plastic or Cardboard Storage Boxes

• Working Video Camera

• Toiletries—baby powder/wipes; hand cream; shampoo, etc.

• Full-sized pool table

Please contact Josephine Brown at (718) 499-7701 or EMAIL if you can help shorten our wish list.