Virtual Forums for Caregivers
In 2020, Penn Memory Center began holding virtual caregiver forums in response to the uncertainty and tension caregivers faced during in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Programs & Services
Classes, support and a wide range of information on Alzheimer’s disease and brain-aging related topics are available to Penn Memory Center research participants, patients, and their caregivers.
Time Out Respite Care Program
Time Out, a support and mentorship program, facilitates meaningful, in-home engagement through intergenerational companionship by connecting elderly individuals with PMC-trained college students. This includes conversation, reading, or mobility assistance, and may also include meal preparation, laundry, and light grocery shopping. It does not include personal care — such as bathing, dressing, feeding, or toileting — nor administering medications or therapies.
Empowering Caregivers Workshop Series
Providing caregivers with access to area experts who will present on a variety of intensive topics from in-home activities to end of life care.
Dance for Health
Dance for Health offers weekly dance sessions and monthly social activities with students from area high schools. This program is free and open to the public. Any individual who is at least 55 years of age and willing to participate in a weekly dance session for three months is eligible to participate.
Memory Café
Each month, PMC patients and caregivers are invited to a free pop-up café at Christ Church Neighborhood House in Old City. Enjoy music from around the world, lectures from Penn experts, and coffee from local cafés.
Cognitive Fitness Programs
In 2017, the Penn Memory Center is launching three Cognitive Fitness programs for adults with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment: Skills Group, Therapy Group, and Social Group.
Caregiver Class
This 7-week program for those caring for a loved one with dementia isn’t your typical support group. Instead, it offers a unique curriculum to learn techniques to provide better care while coping with the personal and emotional challenges caregivers face.
Psychotherapy
Individuals, couples, or families experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, adjustment, or aging-related problems, caregiver stress, or other concerns can meet regularly with a licensed psychologist or clinical social work.
Cognitive Comedy
Through eight sessions with Philadelphia comedian Leah Lawler, Cognitive Comedy participants can get out of their own heads and experience “group mind” while learning the tenets of improve comedy. This free program is open to all members of the PMC community.