Read the literature on Project Caressing.  Please note - it is not necessary that the program be set up to allow parents to leave their child at the center.  That decision depends on each individual program.

The first step is to find a center.  Convalescent or retirement homes are a good place to start.  There you have a population of seniors who do not need transportation, and the center should have an activity, living, or dining room which can be used for the program.  Try to focus on centers that promote activities for seniors; they will probably be more receptive to the idea.  Another good place to contact is a Hospice or similar organization hat provides day care for seniors.  Any type of center that already has a population of seniors and is willing to be involved in the program will make it much easier to get a program started.  By dealing with these types of centers, the tasks of recruiting and transporting seniors are eliminated.

1. Call an organization and make an appointment to meet with the Director or Administrator.  At this meeting, tell him/her about the program; the founder, the purpose, the rewards.  Ask if he/she would be interested in having this program at their center.  Eventually, you will need to work out days and hours (they need to be consistent) that are workable for both the center and the program.  Arrange a future date to meet with the Director and / or Activities Coordinator, Head Nurse, and any other staff members who will be involved in the program.  Bring an orientation folder to this meeting for the Director to keep.

2. Meet with the Director and / or other staff members who will be involved to establish the goals and practices of the program, as well as their responsibilities in ensuring the success of the program.  Some suggested points to discuss are:
    a)    The best day and time for the program
    b)    The physical layout of the room concerning rocking chairs (these are preferable but not necessary), an area rug, toys, table or cart for refreshments, etc.
    c)    Determine who will be in charge of setting up the room, bringing the seniors to the room, bringing refreshments, etc.
    d)    Establish one person who will be in charge of checking every 30 minutes to see that everything is running smoothly.
    e)    Establish a substitute person who can help supervise in case of illness or absence.
    f)    Tour the center to acquaint yourself with the caressing room, entrance and exits, as well as available parking.

NOTE 1.    Caressing Room hours are left open to the discretion of the Program Supervisor and the center.  When a program includes mothers attending during the entire program, it's best to try and arrange to meet once a week, for no less than two hours each session.  Naturally, the time spent in the caressing room directly affects the strength of the bonds which are formed, and the cohesiveness of the group as a whole.

NOTE 2.    Someone at the center, preferably the Activities Director, will need to decide which seniors are good candidates for the program.  Obviously, the seniors will need to enjoy being with children.  The same group of seniors should be brought to the caressing room each week, to ensure continuity within the program.  Once the program is firmly established and the participants have become a close group, new seniors can then be added to the group, if that is desired.  You will want a minimum group of eight seniors, and  maximum of twenty-five.