An adult day service provider will open in Wilmington at the end of the month. 

Town Square, a Maryland-headquartered senior day care company, is opening a franchise location at 1929 Oleander Drive, Suite F, in Wilmington, next to the Food Lion. The center is scheduled to hold its grand opening on Oct. 31 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Amy Petersen-Smith, franchise owner of South Carolina-based Senior Helpers of the Low Country, is opening the Wilmington location.

“When I first learned about Town Square, its storefront-style spaces and programming stood out as a different way to engage seniors,” said Petersen-Smith in a press release. “I saw an opportunity to offer specialized care with a place where older adults can build friendships and enjoy meaningful days. The Wilmington community has welcomed us with open arms, and we look forward to supporting seniors and their caregivers.”

Town Square Wilmington will provide daytime care and programming for older adults, including those living with dementia or cognitive impairment. Its approach centers on reminiscence therapy, which uses familiar settings and activities to encourage memories and social interaction. 

The center will follow Town Square’s traditional model, featuring a midcentury-style town square with themed activity rooms called “storefronts.” Designed to resemble familiar places, such as diners, garages and vintage theaters, the spaces aim to encourage social connection and evoke memories.

The setup allows seniors to “create friendships, have purposeful activity and meaningful connection while they’re here,” Petersen-Smith said. 

Programming varies by location but can include recreational, therapeutic and health services. 

Town Square Wilmington will also offer access to physical, occupational and speech therapy through the center’s partnership with Coastline Therapy Group by Ivy Rehab, as well as on-site services through a network of local providers. The center’s website also lists two staffed registered nurses.  

According to the release, Town Square’s programming follows what it calls a CHAMP Philosophy, a person-centered approach built around five elements of well-being: Community and Connection, Health and Harmony, Active and Agile, Mind and Memory, and Purpose and Pastimes. The company says it adapts activities to each member’s needs and interests, with an emphasis on physical, social, emotional, spiritual and cognitive well-being.

The Town Square model originated with George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers Inc., in California, a strategic partner of the company. According to Petersen-Smith, there are currently 13 Town Square locations nationwide. 

“Opening our first Town Square in North Carolina is an exciting milestone and an opportunity to bring a different approach to adult day services to the Wilmington community,” said Melanie Miranda-Lusby, vice president of operations at Town Square in the release. “We’re creating a place where adults can stay connected, engaged and active while giving families confidence that their loved ones are supported and enjoying meaningful days.”