Julie Sagastume and Penny Kessler at Eskaton Care Center Greenhaven
Welcome to Java Group Programs
End loneliness
Spread Happiness
Loneliness and social isolation are epidemic, affecting so many older adults. Research tells us that enhancing emotional connections is key to solving the problem. While that sounds easy—just go and talk to your neighbour—it isn’t. Typical social programming addresses loneliness with entertainment and distraction. Java Group Programs bring people together with an innovative approach that ends loneliness and spreads happiness. Through structured peer support and peer mentoring, Java participants uplift others and are uplifted themselves.
The acclaimed peer support program targeting social isolation in all senior living environments including independent living, assisted living, adult day programs, hospitals and nursing homes.
An adaptation of the Java Music Club program that provides staff and volunteer training and tools to emotionally engage residents living with advanced dementia.
A unique outreach program that cultivates and educates teams of residents and volunteers to engage with those that are lonely and isolated.
Java Social gathers participants for dialogue and connection, and offers a variety of new engaging group discussions, including icebreakers, photos, quotes, reflections and journals.
Java Circle centers on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for residents to connect and share their experiences by dialogue and singing (new custom recordings), providing continuity to the original Java Music and Java Memory
JAVAconnects is the virtual platform developed to engage seniors with peers, no matter where they live. The technology has been developed to encourage engagement and group sharing by seniors and others, using minimal technical skills.
From Dr. Kristine Theurer
The Beginnings
“My room is at the end of the world”. That’s what a resident said to me—it broke my heart. Light social events, from games to entertainment, are the typical fare offered to combat loneliness. Despite best efforts of staff, studies report that more residents than ever are struggling with chronic loneliness.
Surely, we can do better—but how? After working for over 20 years in senior living these were thoughts I had. I was a big believer in the power of peer support groups, having attended many myself to deal with grief after a suicide in our family. Peer support groups are small intimate gatherings where participants come together to share experiences and these groups helped me profoundly. So I decided to implement a peer support group where I worked. And that is how Java started.
I then decided to return to school to complete an MA in Gerontology at Simon Fraser University and then a PhD at the University of British Columbia. Launched in 2011, Java is growing and is in over 1600 communities across Canada and the US.
Training for the Java Gropu Programs
Download our groundbreaking journal article.
The science behind Java.
Java Webinars
Java Project Overview Webinar
The LeadingAge Webinar Series
Disarming Bullying Among Seniors (with Brookdale)
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What People Are Saying
Just wanted to share that I had my [Java Music] club today and felt so excited because one of my residents who is such a recluse has been coming , but each time I go to his room and each time getting easier but today…he came with no escort and contributed so much and sang his heart out and it was so rewarding, it’s an awesome program!!”
Michele ReidNational Director, Recreation, Revera Inc.“The Java Music Club really has made such a difference. They do feel empowered. The satisfactions scores related to this are amazing. Simply put, it works.”
Sherry KingExecutive Director, Heisinger Bluffs, Jefferson City, MO“To join in this group is to forget my worries. It eases your problems. It takes the loneliness away.”
Resident, Ontario“The results were phenomenal. Both residents and staff witnessed immediate, positive behavioral changes and an increased sense of community among the participants.”
Dr. Michael BarberChief Medical Officer, National Church Residences“So what’s been wonderful about the Java Mentorship program, is that we’ve taken our own resident volunteers—[they] become the mentors,….they are this army that go out and do this fantastic work. What I really like about it is that it provides the structure and the framework to deal with loneliness.”
Michele CookExecutive Director, Seton Villa Retirement Centre“This program has been very fulfilling—both for myself and the people I have visited. Participating in the Mentorship Team meetings before the visits is very helpful because sometime you just get stuck for something to say or do.”
Karyn YoungVolunteer and Mentor“It’s really neat seeing people build friendships—mentors seem to really enjoy it—we have a dedicated group that show up every week.”
Program FacilitatorJava Mentorship“Truly some of the best thinking to hit senior living/LTC in decades.”
Juliet Holt KlingerMA, Senior Director Dementia Care, Brookdale (US)“I wanted you to know that Java Time [Java Memory Care] is going really well at Evergreen. We are getting great feedback from staff and the residents are enjoying having space to share their emotions. Staff are saying that residents who sometimes struggle to complete thoughts are words are more verbal and coherent.
There is a noticeable difference in the residents demeanour post Java- more settled, more engaging socially more smiling and at ease. We have added these programs at 2:45 and 2:30 just before sundowning and it seems to be working out really well!
I have had staff who are new and didn’t do the formal training but read my program protocol and followed your guidelines and also found really great results in terms of engagement. Thanks again for all of your support!”
Jenna Johnstone,MA, CTRS , FIS (Canfit-pro), Senior Recreation Therapist, Evergreen House, Vancouver Coastal Health“Java Memory Care is fabulous! I am working with residents with very advanced dementia with help from two higher functioning residents—it works wonderfully for all.”
Judie PadenFairhaven United Homes“We have the Java Memory Care program here at Kinsmen and we love it. Thank you for introducing this new variation of the Java Music Club.”
Maddie BourdagesKinsmen Lodge
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