“Dementia Friendly” Dining Nights

On Monday January 27th, Caregiver Volunteers, an interfaith nonprofit agency, is partnering with Four Seasons Diner, to host their very first “Dementia Friendly” Dining Night at 823 Fischer Blvd, in Toms River, from 3pm to -6pm. The goal of this initiative is to give caregivers a safe, judgement free space to go out and enjoy a meal with their loved one.

Social anxiety, judgement, and ridicule from those around them are some of the main reason’s individuals with dementia and their caregivers often don’t go out of their homes, especially to a restaurant. This can lead to a feeling of social isolation and loneliness in caregivers.

According to Lynette Whiteman, Executive Director of Caregiver Volunteers, “for the past 26 years, our agency has been dedicated to improving the lives of caregivers and easing loneliness. As the caregiver for my own mother who has dementia, I know firsthand how nervous I get when we are out in public and how afraid I am of judgement. We are so grateful to Four Seasons Diner for partnering with us on this initiative and their community service spirit.”

When approached by Lynette Whiteman, Executive Director of Caregiver Volunteers, Joe Palmisano, Owner of Four Seasons Diner, was ready and willing to open his doors to educate himself and his staff on how to be become a Dementia Friendly Family Restaurant. “I think by us being an innovator in this program we can pave the way for all of the other local restaurants to hopefully see what a wonderful experience it is and sign on as well,” says Joe.

Four Seasons Diner will be hosting their “Dementia Friendly” Dining Night on the last Monday of every month from 3-6pm with hopes that other restaurants in the area will also become “dementia friendly.”

For more information please call 732-505-2273, email info@caregivervolunteers.org or go to www.caregivervolunteers.org

ABOUT CAREGIVER VOLUNTEERS OF CENTRAL JERSEY (CVCJ)

CVCJ provides vital assistance to seniors, the elderly disabled, veterans, individuals with dementia, and caregivers of loved ones with chronic illness to allow them to remain independent in their own homes. All services are free of charge and delivered by 1,200 volunteers to over 2,500 Ocean and Monmouth County residents over the age of 60, who no longer drive. Volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, reassuring phone calls, friendly visits, and relief for family caregivers. To learn more about CVCJ, visit www.caregivervolunteers.org, Facebook @caregivervolunteers, or call 732-505-2273.