Golden Age Program

The Golden Age Day Program is a respite innovation of the Dennis Center for Active Living.
Need a day for yourself?
The Golden Age Program (GAP) is a Social Day Program for persons living with cognitive impairment. Here, participants enjoy the company of friends, have fun playing games, crafts, field trips, music, exercise, dance, special events and much more.
GAP was established to provide a safe and enjoyable setting with meaningful activities that engage participants using their individual strengths, experiences and interests. All staff and volunteers have training specific to engaging with adults living with cognitive impairment.
For questions about GAP or to schedule a visit, please call Julie Benoit, Outreach Coordinator or Jennifer Connors, GAP Program Coordinator. (508)385-5067

For Participants
GAP provides a safe &
enjoyable setting with
meaningful activities
that engage participants
using their individual
strengths, experiences &
interests.

For Care Partners
GAP provides the care
partner the opportunity
for respite, knowing their
loved one is safe and
actively involved.

Staff & Volunteer
All staff & volunteers have
training specific to
interacting with adults
living with cognitive
impairment.

Schedule
GAP meets Tuesday –
Friday, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
A morning snack and
nutritious lunch are
provided.





Destination Respite
“Bridge the GAP Collaborative Presents Destination Respite: Your Gateway to Well-Deserved Breaks!”
DESTINATION RESPITE is an initiative spearheaded by a collaborative of various local agencies working together to expand respite options for Cape Cod caregivers. Each Destination Respite Program offers a minimum of three hours of activity two times each month. The Dennis Center for Active Living is coordinating implementation of the pilot and is charged with offering services to underserved caregiver populations in the funded service areas. Destination Respite Programs will be available for Spanish and Portuguese speaking caregivers, and ESL classes will be provided with care for loved ones, to allow for caregiver participation.
HOW IT WORKS:
Each site’s contact information is listed below. Cape Cod caregivers can call each center directly to schedule care for their loved ones.
Dennis Center for Active Living (DCAL) – 1045 Route 134, South Dennis – 508-385-5067.
If you are a Dennis resident, please call the DCAL Outreach Office, Julie Benoit, to register for Destination Respite events in any location if you will be using Dennis COA Transportation for yourself and/or your loved one. For Dennis GAP Days register with the main office.
Barnstable Adult Community Center (BACC) – 825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis – 508-862-4750 ext. 4765.
Alzheimer’s Family Support Center (AFSC) – 508-896-5170.
DESTINATION RESPITE is funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Town of Dennis.
“Unlock the Power of Self-Care with Destination Respite: Caring for You, While You Care for Others.”

PEARLS Support
The Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) Helps Caregivers Reduce Stress and Isolation
Being a caregiver can sometimes feel like sailing a ship in a turbulent storm. The constant responsibility, emotional weight, and potential isolation may lead to feelings of mild depression or a sense of being overwhelmed. Thankfully, PEARLS is not limited to older adults. It can be beneficial for caregivers too.
PEARLS helps caregivers navigate emotional distress and cultivate problem-solving skills and encourages participation in rewarding activities. It helps make the caregivers’ journey more manageable and less lonely.
Home-based sessions bring the aid directly to caregivers, providing ease and convenience without the added stress of juggling schedules and transportation. These personalized sessions offer an empathetic and understanding environment for caregivers to share their concerns and learn new coping strategies.
The PEARLS program has a profound impact on caregivers’ emotional health. Clinical trials demonstrate a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and an improvement in overall health-related quality of life. By focusing on practical problem-solving techniques, PEARLS equips caregivers with the tools to regain control of their emotional well-being, fostering a sense of resilience and empowerment.
Importantly, PEARLS breaks the isolation often experienced by caregivers. The program connects caregivers with trained coaches, creates a support network, and builds camaraderie.
The PEARLS program strives to boost the quality of life of caregivers, making each day more rewarding and fulfilling. With PEARLS, caregivers can navigate their journey confidently, armed with resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. Remember, the role of caregiving is one of the most selfless and valuable gifts one can offer, and with PEARLS, you will not have to journey alone.

Caregivers Corner
Hi, I’m Kelli—a gerontology graduate, social work student, and proud caregiver to my grandparents. My passion for working with older adults comes from both personal experience and academic study, and I’m always looking for new ways to support, engage, and learn from them!
Alzheimer’s / Endangered Persons Registration
Register Town of Dennis residents with Alzheimer’s or who are otherwise endangered by clicking the link below.