The Grace Dart Foundation is a proud funder of the Cummings Centre’s L’Espoir Day Program for seniors with memory loss, supporting specialized programming including music therapy, art therapy, cooking and baking, and most recently, a new pilot program for accessible gardening therapy. The program, called Blooming Moments, is offered by Forget for a Moment Foundation, mobilizing JASMA (Jardinière-santé mobile et ajustable) accessible planters, developped by DK-DI. (See media coverage and links below).
The L’Espoir Day Program offers programming and activities to help maintain and improve the social, physiological, emotional, and cognitive well-being of older adults living with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The goal is to enhance the quality of life of participants and provide respite and support to caregivers. Each participant is treated with respect and dignity in a structured environment adapted to their needs, interests, and skills. Programming is designed to highlight participants’ strengths and enhance their sense of self-worth.
Groups are offered in: English and French at the Côte-Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre (7500 Mackle Road, Côte Saint-Luc). Russian at the Cummings Centre (5700 Westbury Ave., Montreal).
Program Features:
- Cognitive stimulation to empower decision-making and critical thinking
- Reality orientation and reminiscence
- Physical activity to increase flexibility, range of motion and endurance
- Creative arts therapies to encourage self-expression and a sense of accomplishment
- Opportunities for socialization and maintenance of communication skills
- Celebrations for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays
This program is funded in large part by the generosity of donors to the Grace Dart Foundation and the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors Foundation. Note: This is a fee-for-service program, with an accessible daily rate charged for operating costs.
For information about:
L’Espoir Day Program and for pricing and eligibility criteria: Contact Sheri Stock by phone at 514-734-1819, or by email at sheri.stock@cummingscentre.org.
Forget for a Moment Foundation and the Blooming Moments program with JASMA planters, developed in partnership with DK-DI (planters designed and fabricated locally in Montréal, QC).
Local Media Coverage
New gardening therapy pilot program launched in CSL by Joel Goldenberg
New gardening program launches for congitive health with Sarah Jesmer
