at Dickens Parlour Theatre in Clarksville.
As part of its ongoing efforts to provide health and wellness programs to Southern Delaware’s aging community, WeCare, a personal health and nursing service at Milford Wellness Village, has launched a new partnership with Dickens Parlor Theatre to educate seniors about self-management of chronic illnesses through the healing power of laughter.
Dickens Parlour Theatre, an entertainment venue in Ocean View, has been offering magic, music and comedy for over 10 years. This summer, the venue will be hosting a series of Friday matinees entitled “Healthy Living at Dickens Parlour Theatre.” The sessions aim to educate and entertain through comedy, highlighting the role of humour in health.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring the community together in such a unique way, not only providing entertainment but also education for audience members to be proactive in managing their health,” said Dickens Parlour Theatre co-founder Rich Block.
We Care
Admission is free but capacity is limited, so please register for the session via the theatre's website. https://dickensparlortheatre.com/calendar/ Enjoy a series of matinee sessions that combine education and entertainment in a dynamic atmosphere.
Matinee shows include:
• “Funny Things About Health and Wellness” — July 26, 1:30 p.m.
• Healthy Living Series — Six sessions from Aug. 2 to Sept. 6, every Friday at 12:30 p.m.
Attendees of “Funny Stories About Health and Wellness” will enjoy a 90-minute session with comedian and healthcare professional Ron Kiefer, who will explore the caregiver experience with a humorous twist. The program will provide a fun look at various wellness programs. Kiefer is also the executive director of Milford Wellness Village, which supports WeCare programs.
The Healthy Living Series offers workshops covering essential health management topics such as managing chronic disease, communicating effectively with healthcare professionals and the importance of nutrition and exercise. Each workshop features interactive and informative sessions designed to empower and educate. These programs are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
“We've been blessed with great partnerships and growing interest in these programs,” Keefer said, “Part of the challenge is connecting with individuals who aren't currently affiliated with a senior center or health care organization, spreading the word about the program and encouraging those who may think the program is too rigorous.”
Keefer said that 55-and-over planned developments are increasingly implementing such programs in community clubhouses. But those programs are often limited to residents of each community, creating an artificial barrier to participation for nonresidents, he said.
“We want to make our programs available to all seniors at a convenient location,” Keefer said. “We want to reach as many participants as possible and provide them with meaningful health tips that can create healthier living environments for themselves and their loved ones. Now that's possible.”
WeCare, also known as Education Health Research International (EHRI), has been awarded a federal grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) in Fall 2022 to provide older adults with the resources and support they need to self-manage their chronic diseases and diabetes. The collaboration between EHRI and ACL will enable Milford Wellness to customize programs that effectively address the full range of health needs of older adults.
“And,” Keefer said, “Dickens's spacious and comfortable facility will serve the needs of both the community and our programs well.”
