The Kensington Clubs
Social day program for older adults with early stages of memory loss.
Welcome to the Samuel J. Gorlitz Kensington Clubs
The Samuel J. Gorlitz Kensington Clubs are social day clubs designed to meet the needs of adults who are in the early stages of diagnosed memory loss, while offering a break for caregivers. Our experienced staff provides support, acceptance, and compassion. The clubs offer opportunities for socialization with peers and meaningful cognitive and physical activities in comfortable surroundings.
The Kensington Clubs comprise weekly programs that provide social, purposeful, and stimulating activities for older adults with early-stage memory loss. We offer in-person programming, plus activities to do at home, to help maintain social connections regularly. Locations are in Rockville, White Oak, or Germantown. Kensington Clubs is a member of The Arc Montgomery County’s Respite Coordination program.
Early intervention means a better quality of life. Our program packages provide opportunities for social engagement and support while promoting brain health and stimulation. We offer needed structure during the day.
The Club also offers camaraderie in an environment of acceptance. Club programs draw from individual interests and focus on maximizing skills for those with early-stage memory loss.
Kesher Cafe is the meeting space for adults with young-onset dementia (YOD—diagnosis prior to age 65) and their caregivers.
- The Kensington Clubs are comprised of a 4-hour, highly engaging program specifically designed for individuals living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s Disease, or another form of dementia or memory loss. Planned activities are led by Recreation Therapists and Certified Dementia Practitioners, as well as contracted Art and Music Therapists.
- These activities promote physical and cognitive enhancement through gentle exercise, literature art, history, nature, health/wellness, music, social, and other lifelong learning program opportunities. Caregivers can receive 4 hours of respite and time away from caregiver responsibility while their loved one attends the Club in a stigma-free and supportive environment.
- Monthly Engagement Package are emailed to each home, brimming with paper-and-pencil activities to complement the in-person program. These focus on maintaining cognitive, physical, and social functioning of the older adult living with early-stage memory loss.
- Caregiver Resources in the form of a blog, presentations on Zoom by area experts, and a chance to meet online with other caregivers within the KC network are available each month.
Membership Criteria:
Applicants must have a medical diagnosis of early-stage memory loss and demonstrate independence with walking, eating, and communicating. They must be able to independently manage their own personal care in the bathroom and not be at risk for wandering. They should not be in denial of their diagnosis and be able to take medications with a verbal reminder.
Kensington Club at JSSA's Parklawn Building in Rockville
Kensington Club at White Oak Senior Center
Kensington Club at Germantown Community Center
Kensington Clubs at the White Oak Senior Center and Germantown Community Center include a senior nutrition lunch and transportation for those who qualify.
Steps to Apply:
- INQUIRY: After reading descriptions of KC at Parklawn, KC at White Oak, and KC at Germantown, contact the program director at ckemp@jssa.org or 301-255-4204.
- VISIT: Arrange a virtual or in-person club visit with the director or manager.
- FORMS: If it is a mutual fit, complete the four forms linked on this page.
- PAYMENT: Payments can be processed through this page.
Forms to Submit:
Kensington Clubs brings you some awesome programs and wonderful program leaders!
JSSA may change the nature and fee schedule of its programs at any time and without written notice.
Kensington Clubs’ Main Office
12320 Parklawn Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Primary Phone: 301-255-4204
Kensington Club at White Oak Senior Center: 301-255-4221
Email: KensingtonClub@jssa.org
Program Participation and Nondiscrimination
JSSA is committed to recognizing our shared humanity and serving individuals of all faiths, backgrounds, and communities with dignity, compassion, respect, professionalism, and excellence. We strive to foster an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated fairly and equitably and have meaningful access to our programs and services. JSSA does not discriminate in the provision of services, admission to programs, or access to benefits on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, status as a participant in other government programs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
While JSSA strives to make its programs accessible and inclusive, participation in certain programs or services may be limited, modified, suspended, or discontinued when required by program eligibility criteria, clinical appropriateness, safety considerations, the well-being of participants or staff, the integrity of the program, applicable law, or other legitimate operational or legal requirements. Such decisions will be made in a fair, consistent, and nondiscriminatory manner. JSSA may modify its programs, services, schedules, or fees from time to time to support the delivery of quality services, respond to operational needs, or comply with applicable laws and regulations. When practicable, JSSA will make reasonable efforts to communicate significant changes in advance.