Programs for Those with Memory Loss & Their Caregivers

At NYU Langone’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Family Support Program, we offer a wide range of activities to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of people with memory loss, their families, and caregivers.

Programs for People with Memory Loss

Caregivers can enjoy free time while their relatives engage in these stimulating programs. 

Buddy Program

The Buddy Program pairs an adult in the early stage of dementia with an NYU graduate student for an intergenerational friendship and learning experience. For more information about the Buddy Program, call Ann Burgunder at 646-754-2282 or Thea Micoli at 646-754-2282.

A Place for Us

A Place for Us offers people with early stage dementia the opportunity to participate in free recreational programs. During these weekly two- to three-hour sessions, led by a seasoned recreational therapist and artist, participants are guided through various stimulating activities and projects. Activities include social engagement; exercise; creative projects such as painting, sculpture, collage, and photography; music; and movement.

Storytelling Through Photographs

During this 10-week workshop, participants learn to express themselves through photos and create individualized photo books that tell a story. This program is specially designed for people with early stage dementia.

Other Activities

Photo workshops, a book club, a music ensemble, and other specially designed programs provide stimulating activities that help people with dementia discover new ways of improving quality of life.

For more information or to register your family member in A Place for Us or our other special programs for people in the early stages of dementia, please call recreation therapist Amy Harris at 646-501-6788 or email amy.harris2@nyulangone.org.

Programs for Caregivers

We encourage caregivers to participate in specially designed programs to help reduce the stress of caring for a loved one with memory loss. For additional information about our programs or to register, please call 646-754-2277.

Care Consultation

Meet with one of our licensed clinical social workers individually or with other family members, in-person, by phone, or by video conferencing. Our social workers can help you address changes that have occurred in your daily life and relationships since your relative began having problems with thinking and memory. We provide information and referrals to appropriate resources in the community. Care consultation is available in English and Spanish.

Needlework Group for Caregivers

Engaging in handicrafts has been shown to reduce stress and improve cognitive functioning. To bring these benefits to our caregivers, our needlework circle encourages them to bring whatever project they are working on: knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, embroidery, cross stitch, needlepoint, or weaving. This three-month needlework group is an opportunity for you as caregivers to share creative time together, and give and receive support in a relaxing environment. Please bring your own tools and any project you are currently working on. We provide additional yarn and thread as needed, in addition to coffee and tea.

Support Groups and Seminars

For family members of people who are experiencing problems with thinking and memory, our support groups are conducted in-person, by phone, or by video conferencing, in English and Spanish. Our seminars feature a variety of topics, such as the power of music, caregiving from afar, and how to access community and support resources.

Programs for People with Memory Loss and Their Family Members or Caregivers to Enjoy Together

We offer a variety of activities for people with memory loss and their family members or caregivers to participate in together. For more information or to register, please call 646-754-2277 or email family.support@nyulangone.org.

Wellness in Motion: Dance Therapy for People with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementias and Their Caregivers

In collaboration with the 92nd Street YMCA, this 15-week program uses dance therapy principles and expressive movement to engage, inspire, and uplift people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias and their caregivers. Movement experiences are provided on chairs as well as through ambulatory explorations. Each class is developed through improvisation and tailored to the needs of the participants, and a wide variety of music is used to provide rhythmic support and enjoyment. Verbalization is encouraged.

Community Activities

We offer specially arranged tours to museums, gardens, and musical events to provide stimulation in a relaxed environment.

Art-Making Workshops

Our art-making workshops provide an opportunity for you and a family member with memory loss to be creative together.

Memory Café

Our Memory Café bring together groups of caregivers and their family members who are living with dementia to meet, socialize, and enjoy a stimulating educational activity.

Choruses

Our affiliated choruses offer the opportunity to sing familiar songs and learn new ones with other family caregivers and people with memory loss. Weekly rehearsals end with a community concert. No prior musical knowledge or ability is required.

Education for Caregivers

Caregiver workshops and lectures are provided on topics such as how to provide good care, obtain support for yourself, identify and access resources, implement legal and financial planning, and adjust to changes in behavior and in your relationship with your relative with dementia. These workshops and lectures are offered in-person and online through webinars.

Special Assistance Fund

We provide funds for short-term respite so family caregivers can take a break.