A new senior care enrichment center is coming to Brick in June 2021. Known as Town Square, the concept is New Jersey’s first 1950s themed adult day senior center. This 12,000-square foot space allows seniors to spend half or full days enjoying a number of amenities. In particular, the center is operated by Senior Helpers, an in-home senior care provider.
Town Square is an indoor, interactive senior center with 13 themed storefronts and experiences. These include a diner, movie theater, library, art studio, recreation room, vintage car garage, bocce court, newsstand, and garden center. In fact, the entire Square is arranged around an indoor central park, complete with benches and greenery.
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What to Expect at Town Square
Town Square tailors storefronts to the specific interests and needs of members. For example, a health club storefront will offer physical and occupational therapy classes. “Each storefront has immersive activities created to engage members in their favorite hobbies, revisit past interests, and even explore new pursuits,” says Linda Panarella, CDP, Care Specialist and Director of Business Development. “Town Square experiences create purpose and provide a sense of belonging,” she adds. Seniors get physical benefits, too. Exploring the town “builds mobility, increases opportunities for variety in engagement, and decreases boredom,” Linda explains. Click here for a virtual tour of Town Square.
Town Square can accommodate about 100 members per day, and offers half and full day experiences daily. They offer memberships as well as one-day registration on-site. Meals available include a continental breakfast with coffee or tea, plus a full, catered lunch. (Lunch consists of a main dish, sides, and a dessert.) Members also receive an afternoon snack. “Brick was a perfect location for accessibility and is centrally located in Ocean County and convenient to Monmouth County; both with vibrant senior communities who can benefit from a day spent at Town Square,” Linda says.
Why the 1950s Theme?
Research indicates that significant life events – such as graduations and weddings – for most current seniors happened in the 1950s. (For example, seniors in their 80s today would’ve been in their late teens and early 20s in the 1950s.) “Town Square is designed to immediately make seniors feel comfortable in the nostalgic environment,” Linda says. In particular, those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s can benefit from reflecting on the past.
This approach, known as reminiscence therapy, uses movies, music, photographs, games, and other activities to stimulate long-term memories. It can also reduce anxiety and symptoms and side effects of memory issues by helping seniors recall memories. “Our focus on reminiscence therapy allows members to recall the milestone moments in their lives; careers, marriage, first home, family,” Linda explains.
You can find Town Square inside the Laurel Shopping Center at 1930 NJ-88 in Brick Township. (Click here to see it on Google Maps). To learn more, click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
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All Photos: © Town Square
