People in the early stages of memory loss can continue to lead active and fulfilling lives. it is important to receive proper medical care and the support of family and friends. Involvement in activities which are cognitively stimulating, participating in an exercise program, and maintaining social involvement are all especially important at this time. Families experiencing the effects of memory change need support as they begin discussing and planning for the future.

• people concerned about their memory changes.
• people with diagnosed Early Stage memory loss.
• people under 60 years of age diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia.
• people in the caring circle of the P.L.U.S. Club participants, including their care partners, spouses, children siblings and parents.
  

• have a good understanding of the disease process
• create a support network
• learn new coping skills and behavioral techniques
  

Program Rationale: The P.L.U.S. Club has incorporated the following modalities into it's treatment day:

• Cognitively stimulating activities to facilitate growth of functional and compensatory strategies.
• Physical exercise to facilitate blood flow to both the brain and heart.
• Music, Art and Movement Therapy "as methods of non-verbal psychotherapy that uses multi-sensory inputs to engage neurological pathways and reflexive responses.
• Professionally facilitated support and education sessions to work on problem sharing and solving to reduce the threat of depression.
  

The P.L.U.S. CLUB Meets weekly for a full day of therapeutic - social activities, and biweekly in the late afternoon for a Care Partner support meeting, group therapeutic activity and supper. Special activities are held for children of P.L.U.S. Club members.

1. Phone interview with applicant or care partner.
2. Meet with P.L.U.S. Club Social Worker for assessment (applicant and care partner).
3. Completion of application materials.

Partial and full day programs are developing as well as off site programs. Please contact us to discuss individual schedule needs.

The P.L.U.S. Club Staff
We are a team of caring dynamic professionals comprised of Creative Arts Therapists, Licensed & Certified Rehab Therapists (RPT), Social Workers (MSW), Psychologist and Activity Specialists trained to work with persons experiencing memory loss.

Why join the PLUS CLUB…….

Partner in a program uniquely designed for persons with memory concerns, and their care partners.

Learn physical and cognitive exercises and enhanced leisure activities to maintain existing skills. Learn practical strategies to help compensate for changes that occur with memory loss.

Understand the physical, emotional and cognitive changes that occur with dementia. Understand, too, the changes in roles and how it impacts the family unit.

Supportive professionals share their expertise in the area of dementia and facilitate peer support groups in addition to offering individual counseling. Support comes from new found friends with common concerns, needs and goals. Support is offered to enable care partners to plan for the future.

The P.L.U.S. Club is part of the continuum of care offered by ElderWatch Plus Adult Day Services. Services are provided without regard for: age, sex, religion, orientation, handicap or ability to pay. The P.L.U.S. Club is funded in part through a generous grant from The Philadelphia Foundation.

For more information about THE P.L.U.S. CLUB and services at ElderWatch Plus please contact:

Judi Ahram RPT, Director
Telephone: 215-877-0202
7536 Haverford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Email: elderwatchplus1@aol.com