Arts and Aging Programs 

https://jfsutah.org/get-help/older-adults/

Jewish Family Service

Salt Lake City, Utah

https://jfsutah.org/

“For persons living with dementia who are living in the community, regularly scheduled opportunities for arts-based activities are few and far between.” Jewish Family Services of Salt Lake has woven together a variety of programs that collectively provide a dementia-welcoming arts and support environment for home-based caregivers and for those directly receiving their care. The sum is even greater than the individual programs as about 115 individuals actively participate in multiple free or low-cost programs. With many opportunities each month for families to connect with each other, the friendships and support they find often extend outside of scheduled activities, with many clients becoming life-long friends.

Couples and families have the option to match their interests and pursue new opportunities in a fully non-judgmental digital and in-person space. Whether it’s the Gleeful Choir, Music & Memory program, Dementia Friendly Activity social group, or Exploring Creativity group, participants can choose a few or all as it works for them.  All of the activities are held in concert with three caregiver support groups, including a Pre-Loss Grief Group, as well as individualized counseling  with an Older Adult social worker when needed. These create safe spaces for asking questions and sharing experiences  centered on dementia caregiving.

Serving individuals and families from all denominations, Jewish Family Services Salt Lake’s Arts and Aging Programs aims to improve the quality of life for many families whose lives were uprooted due to an Alzheimer’s or related dementia diagnosis.