ASEB is about to embark on an exciting partnership with the AgeSong Institute that will enhance the quality of its memory loss programming. Trained to work with premier health care systems throughout California, AgeSong interns will team with ASEB staff to provide emotional and therapeutic support both one-on-one and in groups. Interns will spend time with ASEB participants sharing stories, reading, writing, creating art, and many other activities. They will also play a part in restarting ASEB’s Saturday Respite Program. ASEB is kicking off a fundraising drive to finance the program. Our goal is to raise $36,000 to see this partnership through.

Each AgeSong intern is supervised by a licensed professional and required to attend trainings and group supervision sessions weekly. Interns are selected on the basis of their interest in working with the aging population and on their commitment to being part of a movement that views aging with respect and awareness. They have backgrounds in psychology, gerontology, counseling, grief and loss support, and/or human development and come from a variety of schools and universities in the Bay Area and beyond. ASEB views this partnership as a way of expanding and improving the level of service it provides to its participants.

Micheal Pope, Executive Director of ASEB, has high hopes for this partnership. “This collaboration with AgeSong will enhance our participants’ daily experience, she says. “We hope to learn from each other while creating a newer understanding of dementia care through our shared vision.”