Interested in CaringKind’s Early-Stage Programs…
Our early-stage program provide a supportive environment and specialized programs for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia.
Reach out to our Helpline by phone (646) 744-2900, via our online form or by email: helpline@cknyc.org.
Are you a professional wanting to make a referral to an Early-Stage Program? Our CaringKind Connections form is an easy way to enter client information and email the referral directly to our Helpline
To maintain and sustain the quality of our programs, we need to gather some information from our program participants. Please click here to download or complete the forms for your program.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy or CST is an 8-week “evidence-based”, small group therapy program for participants living with early-stage cognitive changes and/or memory loss from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. CST creates a positive, accepting atmosphere, and activates various aspects of peoples’ minds. Developed in England over 20 years ago, CST is practiced internationally in more than 35 countries. Its comprehensive research base shows improvements in cognitive function, mood, communication, social engagement and quality of life. Following the initial program, participants can join a 24-week CST Maintenance group – meeting once each week. CST Maintenance has been shown to increase quality of life and creates an ongoing opportunity for group members to be meaningfully engaged with peers.
Learn more CST at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/international-cognitive-stimulation-therapy
To Whom I May Concern®
To Whom I May Concern® is a 8-12 session, interactive theater program designed to bring forward the voices of people with MCI or early-stage dementia. Trained facilitators lead small ‘sharing groups’ through supportive conversations and craft a script of made from group members’ own stories and experiences, expressing their fear, anger, frustration, hope and determination — often with humor and love. Group members perform their script in a reader’s theater style event with audiences made up of family members, peers, friends, care partners, and professionals. The Q&A and talk back session following the performance often reveals the transformational impact of this program on both participants and audience members.
Learn MoreJourney Together – Adjusting to Life with Memory and/or Cognitive Changes
Journey Together is a 10 session, specialized workshop for a small group of people adjusting to life with memory and/or cognitive changes. Virtual sessions are facilitated by an experienced CaringKind dementia specialist, providing support and valuable information each week. Meaningful discussions focus on topics related to understanding and living with changes. Sessions include mind-, body- and soul-enriching activities, and topical discussions like: Living with Change, Connecting with Community, What is Dementia?, Relationships, Grief and Loss, Self-care and Tell Your Story.
Partnering Together
Partnering Together is a small group workshop for spouses/partners or family members who are new to supporting someone with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s, or another form of dementia. Meaningful discussions each week focus on the core needs of a ‘care partner’ and will help you adjust to your new situation and supporting role.
Sessions include mind-, body- and soul-enriching activities, and topical discussions including: Telling Your Story, Understanding Dementia, Brain Function and Daily Activities, Adapting to Changing Relationships, Coping with Grief and Loss, Stress & Self-care, Getting Help, Legal, Financial and End of Life Issues, Why? Existential and Spiritual Questions
Please note: This program is for care partners/caregivers only. People living with dementia should look to "Journeying Together" for support.
For more information, call our Helpline: 646-744-2900 or email: helpline@cknyc.org
Program Details:
• 10 weekly, 90-minute virtual sessions (Zoom)
• Small group with 6-8 people • Complimentary group available for partner living with dementia
• Join a CaringKind Support Group after program completion
Coming Soon:
Make It Matter Dementia Stakeholder Training: Building Capacity & Engagement
Including persons living with dementia and their family/friend care partners as activated “stakeholders” is the growing expectation with current trends in patient-driven policymaking, research, care and service delivery/development. Building upon stakeholder engagement trainings developed through Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funded projects, CaringKind is creating a training program to prepare dementia stakeholders for future engagement opportunities. Graduates of the program learn to use their experiences in meaningful ways as informed stakeholders available for focus groups, advisory boards, research partnerships, etc. with health systems, policy makers, academic institutions, community-based organizations, residential providers, pharmaceutical and industry companies, etc.
CaringKind’s Early-Stage programs (valued at $500-$800 per person per program) are currently provided free of charge to clients living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Programs are funded through grants, donations, CaringKind Walks, Forget-Me-Not Gala, fundraising events, and other philanthropic efforts. Contributions toward the programs’ sustainability are welcome.
Early-Stages programs are partially funded through grants from the NIA Impact Collaboratory, AARP, and a cooperative agreement from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,333,945 with 75% funded by ACL/HHS and $333,971 and 25% funded by non-government source(s).