Explore the Club
What's a Typical Day Like at the Club?
Old Friends Club creates space for community and friendship for people living with dementia. Members engage in a variety of activities throughout the day while caregivers/care partners have an opportunity to receive much-needed respite.
9:30 AM Arrive to a warm welcome.
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Coffee talk.
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Take time to relax and greet friends.
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Share stories about what is going on in our lives.
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Daily News. Take a look at samples of Good News from both Local and World news, look at this day in history, discuss daily topics, or Holidays.
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Brain Games. Trivia, Shake Loose a Memory (anything to get neurons firing and friends reminiscing)
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Play a lighthearted game of chance (cards, bunko, Kings in the Corner, etc.) take bathroom breaks or just get up and stretch our legs a little.
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Begin preparing for lunch.
This is a 5-hour day (from 9:30 to 2:30) – Times are not listed except for the beginning and end and lunch to help things flow. If an activity is working, the Program Coordinator will stay with it for longer. if it’s not working, they will to flex a little and give it a chance, but will also move to a proven activity for a while. There’s no need to hurry or entertain. What’s important is promoting the camaraderie with patience, humor, flexibility, grace, and respect.
Noon Lunch. Best shared with friends. A nutritious lunch shared with friends nourishes body and soul.
Finish up game from before lunch if the group is still interested
Work on Craft/Art project. Listen to music. Music, art projects, and other activities exercise mental muscles. Projects are tailored to each person's ability and comfort, with enough challenge to enjoy the satisfaction of success.
Physical Activity. Group exercises and active games improve range-of-motion and balance, build strength, get blood and joints moving, and improve overall wellbeing.
2:20 PM Begin to look for care partners to arrive. Say our good byes and talk about the day we’ve had.
Respite for Care Partners
You are better able to give good care if you take good care of yourself. It's okay, and important, to make sure your own needs are met. Old Friends Club can give you worry-free time to be at home, take care of errands, or catch up with a friend. Take time to breathe and maintain your own mental and physical health.
Affordability
Averaging around $18 an hour, OFC costs far less than other care alternatives. And the benefits listed above have been shown to prevent or delay the need for more expensive care. If a higher level of care is eventually needed, participation with the Club, and learning to trust others for care, eases the transition.
Resources and Support
We come alongside caregivers to listen, encourage, share ideas and connect you to resources that can make things a bit easier.