ALFA Senior Living Executive Conference

To help address challenges presented by older adults experiencing loneliness and depression, Holiday Retirement introduced a pilot mutual support group program called the Java Music Club™ in communities including a mix of independent living, assisted living, and memory care homes. For those living with dementia, these issues become more acute as the capacity to understand information deteriorates, yet the need for meaningful social engagement remains. Loneliness and depression are associated with numerous negative health outcomes and a significant increase in hospitalizations and health care costs. Using video and interactive learning, presenters will review the theory and structure of mutual support groups, share results and the implementation processes, program effectiveness and lessons learned.