(BRICK, NJ) -- Senior citizens can take a unique nostalgia trip at New Jersey's first Town Square, an inclusive, groundbreaking, 1950-s themed concept center that will enhance and improve the lives of older adults, including those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Town Square, which provides a safe, comfortable and engaging environment, is scheduled to open in June 2021 and is operated by Senior Helpers®, New Jersey’s premier provider of in-home senior care.
The 12,000 square-foot, innovative, interactive midcentury "town" features 13 distinctive storefronts and experiences to, encourage socialization, gathering, and recalling exciting memories among seniors, old friends and new. Town Square includes a 1950s-era diner, golden age movies at the Starlite Theater, a learning center, a craft corner, recreation room, garage with a beautiful vintage car, bocce ball court, newsstand and music studio, all arranged around Glenner Park, the heart of Town Square. The concept uses the 1950s timeframe as research has shown that this is the period when seniors' most significant life events occur, including graduations and weddings. Seniors in their 80s today would have been in their late teens and early twenties in the 1950s.
The Town Square concept encourages and invites members to purposefully participate. This meaningful engagement includes actively contributing ideas, skills, and experiences, recognizing that individual participation will vary depending on abilities. For instance, members may be asked to talk about their favorite old movies or crafts, sparking discussion with others and leading into a craft activity.
Throughout the day, members take part in a wide range of stimulating activities with a focus on enjoying favorite pastimes, harkening back to the good old days with friends, and connecting through stories and activities. This can include shooting pool with friends in the Recreation Room, getting together for book club in the Little Blue House, gathering Veterans for conversations in City Hall, or playing lawn games in Glenner Park, the centerpiece of Town Square.
Activities evoke a time when members were young adults and have been designed to appeal to all seniors. For those living with dementia and Alzheimer's, it can be particularly beneficial. The behavioral approach, known as reminiscence therapy, uses prompts such as movies, music, photographs, games and other activities to stimulate long-term memories. Reminiscence therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and lessen symptoms and side-effects of the disease by helping seniors recall older memories and feel valued, contented and peaceful.
"Town Square represents an important step forward in the future of senior care in this country," said Kevin Herman, Town Square Brick, New Jersey Operator. "It offers all seniors a location to gather, socialize and find a sense of belonging. For families of those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, the safe, affordable care, close to home provided at Town Square and the thoughtful design of the center itself is truly groundbreaking."
"Reminiscence therapy makes Town Square unique and is truly a game-changer not only for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, but for all seniors," said Peter Ross, CEO Town Square and CEO and founder of Senior Helpers. "By creating this environment, we're aiming to create a sense of shared community that people from all backgrounds can enjoy and benefit from."
Town Square is designed to accommodate approximately 200 members per day, for half- or full-days, Monday through Friday. Memberships are available in addition to one-day on-site sign ups. Town Square franchising was developed as part of a strategic alliance with the George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers Inc.® Glenner Town Square®, based in Chula Vista, CA. Town Square is able to uniquely cater to the needs of Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
“We've created a state-of-the art-learning center with programs to stimulate members with educational activities. For instance, members can take a virtual tour of a museum or participate in an online university lecture at the Learning Center, All of the programming at Town Square has been carefully designed to deliver enriching, safe, affordable and accessible care. One of our storefronts is a health club that will accommodate the physical and occupational therapy needs of our members as well as place for exercise and other physical activity,” said Herman.
Senior Helpers, who will be relocating to Town Square, finds the new center completely aligned with its mission "to provide compassionate care and improve the quality of life for our clients, their families and our employees."
Town Square adheres to rigorous cleaning, disinfecting, and PPE standards as determined by per CDC guidelines. Social distancing is practiced in the center and all staff undergo regular COVID-19 testing and are continuously trained and supervised on health and safety protocols.
New Jersey’s first Town Square, located at 1930 NJ-88, Brick Township, New Jersey, for more information or to pre-enroll a senior, please visit www.townsquare.net/Jerseyshore or call 732.451.6185 or email LearnMoreJS@Townsquare.net.
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