Family Center for Healthy Aging

Circle of Friends is a group rehabilitation model for older adults who are lonely and socially isolated. Participants connect around common interests and three primary topics:

• Exercise and strength
• Common hobies
• Therapeutic writing

Participants meet virtually. 

Cognitive stimulation therapy is an evidenced-based treatment that improved cognition and mood for people with mild to moderate dimentia. Following a consistent format, participants engage with one another while reminiscing about different memories. 

Participants meet virtually or in person twice per week for 14+ sessions. 

Cargiver process groups are available for spouses and children caring for a loved one with dimentia. Participants can process topics, ideas and concerns surrounding caregiving. 

The 4Ms Clinic is an integrated geriatric clinic at SLUCare Physician Group's Des Peres office — a Level 2 Age-Friendly Health Systems site. Older adults come to the clinic for their Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and are also screened for the 4Ms — what matters (goals and care), medication monitoring, mental processing and mobility. 

The University's mobile health clinic provides essential community services that support older adults' physical, mental and social needs. 

Organizations and sites can request the screenings, which typically take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays. 

Request a Mobile Van Visit

This virtual series features regionally and nationally recognized professionals working in the field of cognitive aging. Topics include:

• Signs of dementia
• Power of attorney
• Driving and dementia
• Self-care for caregivers
• Navigating the health care system

The free talks are from noon-1 p.m. on the second Monday of the month. For more information, email memoryclinic@health.slu.edu. 

Each year, students participate in this multidisciplinary case competition, which has been one of the largest learning collaboratives across disciplines in the University. Leaders of the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program at SLU have also partnered with seven GWEPs across the country for a national case competition. 

This six-week series empowers caregivers to make decisions regarding the daily care and well-being of loved ones experiencing memory loss. 

This institute provides high-quality cognitivie stimulation training for health care and social service professionals, students and caregivers across the U.S. Two types of training are available:

CST Certified Practioner

This day-long, biannual training covers dementia, cognitive functioning, CST principles, group development, and billing and reimbursement. 

CST Certified Trainer

This advanced training event is held by appointment only for qualifying sites. Once certified, these sites can offer CST trainings to others in the community. 

For more information and application requirements, email cst@health.slu.edu or call 314-977-9759. 

Clinical Externship

This eight-week, intensive field experience gives students the opportunity to work with older adults at partner sites, including nursing homes and sites specializing in primary care and geriatrics sites. Students also access training videos, research publications, resources and job shadowing opportunities. 

Medical Student and Resident Training

Both undergraduate and graduate medical students have opportunities to shadow and observe FCHA services. The experiences are part of training within programs for family medicine, internal medicine, geriatrics and psychiatry. 

• Working with Dementia Caregivers (for professionals)
• Caregiving
• Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation

Visit the SLU Family Center for Healthy Aging YouTube channel for additional videos on the 4Ms and Age-Friendly Health Systems.