Four-Legged Assistant Joins the Senior Access Team

Senior Access, an innovative program that provides a mix of expressive arts, entertainment and personal care to the growing number of Marin older adults who experience memory loss recently added its newest staff member, Facility Dog Allyson. Motivation and support comes in many forms, including a cold nose and a warm heart. Allyson will assist staff member and handler Kitwana “Kit” Lewis during his work with Senior Access Club members. “Allyson provides our Club Members with a sense of warmth, motivation and purpose,” said James Ward, Executive Director of Senior Access.

Allyson, a Labrador/Retriever mix was born November 9, 2014 and was trained and placed free of charge by national non-profit Canine Companions for Independence®. Since 1975, Canine Companions has bred, raised and expertly trained assistance dogs in over 40 commands designed to assist people with disabilities or to motivate and inspire clients with special needs. Allyson can pull toy wagons, push drawers closed and retrieve all kinds of items. Allyson has specific commands that allow her to interact with Club Members in a calm and appropriate way. Allyson also paints, bowls and plays ball with Club Members.

Senior Access is Marin’s best social club for folks with memory loss. The program is a mix of expressive arts, entertainment and personal care provided by professionally trained staff.

Senior Access was founded in 1973. It is a nonprofit licensed adult day program providing services for older adults and their caregivers, specializing in Alzheimer’s care. The organization’s professionally trained staff provides activities, personal care and support services that enhance the quality of life and independence of older adults with chronic health conditions, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Adult day programs reduce isolation and help maintain physical, cognitive and emotional health of the participants and their family caregivers. Senior Access provides much needed respite for caregivers.

For more information about the program, please call 415-491-2500, email jtripathy@senioraccess.org or visit us online at www.senioraccess.org.