New program for people with dementia, caregivers

Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council is proud to offer new programming for those living with dementia and their caregivers.

Funded by a grant through AgeOptions, the Memory Café program will kick off in January with a meet and greet. There will be regular meetings held monthly between February and September. Join at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Palatine Township Senior Center, 505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, to learn more about this great new program.

A memory cafe is a social gathering designed for people living with dementia, or another form of cognitive impairment, and their care partners to feel welcomed and engaged in their own community.

A memory cafe is not respite care or a place to "drop off" your loved one; it is an opportunity for the person living with dementia and their caregiver to enjoy activities together and to enhance their normal routine without the burden of disability or disease.

This is an opportunity to meet others, socialize, and learn from each other. There will be fun activities, educational presentations and time to just connect with others. The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council will also provide lunch after the programming.

Call (847) 991-1112 to register or with any questions.

The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council operates the Palatine Township Senior Center, a private, nonprofit organization, providing innovative, quality, cost-effective services to adults ages 50 and older in Palatine Township and Chicago's Northwest suburbs for more than 40 years. Palatine Township Senior Center is one of only three senior centers in Illinois that is accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers.

Its mission is to provide programs and services that support older adults and their families by encouraging independence, well-being, and connection to the community.

The Recreation, Education, Health and Wellness, Noon Dining, Home Delivered Meals, Adult Day Services and Social Services programs are available from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Services are available in English, Spanish and Russian at five satellite locations. The Social Services staff also makes home visits, as needed.

Senior Centers provide a place for older adults to pursue personal interests; to enhance physical, emotional and intellectual well-being; to validate self-worth and human dignity; to celebrate life experiences; receive needed social services; maintain their independence and connection to the community, and to be of value to others.

For information, visit www.ptscc.org, like on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/palatinetwpsrctr or call (847) 991-1112.