The Elder Rehab program returns to the Tucson Jewish Community Center beginning Jan. 25, 2016.
Elder rehab is a research-tested physical, mental and social stimulation program, developed by psychologist Sharon Arkin, assistant research scientist (ret.) at the University of Arizona Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences.
The Elder Rehab Program provides each participant with a University of Arizona intern or volunteer partner who conducts 10-12 weeks of twice-weekly, two-hour sessions of physical exercise and cognitive-linguistic exercises and games. This session offers an optional activity of reading stories to children at the Tucson J’s Early Childhood Education Center. Accompanying caregivers may use The J’s fitness facilities while their partner is in the program.
Criteria for the Elder Rehab Program: age 50 or older; mild to moderate memory loss; ambulatory (walker or cane OK); continent (pads or Depends OK); transportation to and from the Tucson J; able to communicate; and accompanied by a responsible caregiver or family member.
The program starts the week of Jan. 25 and the cost is $100 per participant.
According to Elder Rehab Director Dr. Sharon Arkin, “There’s a waiting list of bright, energetic University of Arizona students eager to be a ‘personal trainer’ and friend to an elderly participant. Former student volunteers and interns credit their Elder Rehab experience with helping them get into med school and other graduate programs. Five of last semester’s interns had good-paying ‘companion’ jobs over the summer.”
She adds, “Elder Rehab is a win-win situation for all concerned: exercise and mental and social stimulation for the memory-impaired participants, experience and academic credit for the student volunteers, and respite for the caregivers.”
The Tucson J is located at 3800 E River Road, Tucson. For information and registration, contact the Tucson J at 520-299-3000 or visit tucsonjcc.org.
