Elder Rehab — a physical, mental and social stimulation program for people with mild to moderate memory issues — needs participants for its spring session.

The session begins Monday, Jan. 14, at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road. Sharon Arkin, a clinical psychologist, developed and directs the program.

University of Arizona interns and volunteers are assigned to senior participants, whom they supervise in 20 twice-weekly, two-hour sessions. Each session consists of an hour of physical exercise and an hour of memory and language exercises and games, Arkin said.

The cost is $275 per semester. Late entrants will be accepted on a pro-rated basis. There is a nonrefundable assessment fee of $60.

Participants must meet criteria including:

  • Be ambulatory (canes or walkers allowed).
  • Have mild to moderate memory loss.
  • Be able to communicate understandably and follow one-step directions.
  • Have reliable transportation to and from the JCC.
  • A physician’s consent is needed to participate.

Those interested in the program need to contact Arkin at 603-2912 or sharonmerlearkin@gmail.com


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Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104. On Twitter: @cduartestar