Old Friends Club

Mission

Old Friends Club cultivates joy in the lives of adults with cognitive challenges and nourishes the well-being of family caregivers.

Description

Old Friends Club (OFC) is a place of friendship and belonging for adults living with memory loss, and a healthy break for their family caregivers. We offer an engaging, affordable choice that helps people living with Alzheimer's or other dementia remain engaged in community and living at home longer. Old Friends Club transforms what it means to live with dementia, promoting resiliency and a fuller, more joyful life.
Program participants are welcomed as Club Members, fostering a sense of belonging. Each person is seen and heard and knows they are valued. Experienced staff and trained volunteers help Members engage in animated discussions and activities despite the challenges in communication and reasoning that accompany these diseases. Each Club has countless stories of friendships blossoming and people revealing how alive they are: a poem of gratitude for a favorite volunteer; a spontaneous dance session; a story that flows out even when words won't come easily. Successes like these happen every day.
Caregivers also benefit from Old Friends Club. Caring for a partner, parent or friend strains relationships, finances, and physical and mental health. Knowing their loved one is relaxed and among friends at the Club allows caregivers to rest and re-energize. We offer caregivers individual and group support and education workshops to help them navigate today's challenges and plan for changing needs.