Selfhelp Alzheimer's Resource Program (SHARP)

The Selfhelp Alzheimer's Resource Program (SHARP) has run for more than 30 years as a social adult day program for people in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's disease, and it gives their caregivers respite. It meets five hours a day, Monday to Friday, at Selfhelp's Clearview Older Adult Center in Bayside. Groups are small: Selfhelp says there are five participants for each staff member, and every participant has an individual care plan aimed at slowing cognitive and physical decline. Caregivers can also get information and individual or family counseling. The program is listed in New York City's registry of social adult day care programs.

Activities include music sessions and a chorus, Neurobics brain exercises, the Dakim computer brain-fitness program, Nintendo Wii sports, trivia, chair exercise, arts and crafts, dancing, discussion groups and visits from local school students. Participants get a hot lunch and a snack every day. Door-to-door transportation is funded by the NYC Council. People who can't attend in person can join virtual classes for $60 a month.

SHARP meets at the Clearview Older Adult Center, 208-11 26th Ave, Bayside, NY 11360, for five hours each weekday (the center itself is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). It is designed for people newly diagnosed or in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's disease. Call (718) 224-7888 to ask about enrollment and the daily schedule.