In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, St. John’s Community Care is proud to announce a new program for people with memory loss: Cardinals Reminiscence League (CRL). CRL builds on the reminiscence therapy concept that memorabilia and other prompts can be used to stimulate conversations about shared memories of past experiences. Individuals with mild memory loss or in the early stages of dementia meet to share pleasant baseball memories in hopes of enhancing their mood and communication skills.
St. John’s Community Care will provide this free program, launched and supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, to those with Alzheimer’s and related dementia, as well as their care partners.
“We are extremely happy to be able to offer this valuable program in Edwardsville. Cardinal Reminiscence League is a bold, optimistic and innovative approach to aid people with memory loss. Programs like this are a vision for how we can change the way we think and care for people with memory loss,” said Nancy Berry, Executive Director for St. John’s Community Care.
“The Alzheimer’s Association has had success hosting the Cardinals Reminiscence League and is excited to partner with St. John’s Community Care to expand this group and reach more people,” said Stephanie Rohlfs-Young, Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter Vice President of Programs.
The CRL program was originally developed in 2011 as a partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter, Saint Louis University, St. Louis Veterans Administration (VA), St. Louis Cardinals baseball organization and the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Museum.
The first session of the new program hosted at St. John’s Community Care will be on March 17, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at St. John’s Community Care Adult Day Center located at 1015 B. Century Drive – University Pointe II in Edwardsville.
The program is the brainchild of John Morley, M.D., director of geriatric medicine at Saint Louis University. Dr. Morley was inspired by the Football Reminiscence Partnership of Scotland, where soccer is more than a pastime. Much like Cardinals baseball, it is a passion.
“Individuals with dementia and a caregiver are invited to participate. We have seen a high level of interest over the years,” said Rohlfs-Young. “It’s a true testament to how beneficial the program is and how St. Louisans love their team!”
Visit www.alz.org/stl/CRL to learn more about Cardinals Reminiscence League and the participating locations.
For more information about St. John’s Community Care visit, www.stjohnscc.orgor call 618-656-7090.
For more information about Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/stl or call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.