Explore The Club & Find Respite
Are you or someone you know interested in becoming an Old Friends Club member?
Learn more about OFC by reading about "A Day at the Club" and "Member Benefits", shown below.
A Day at the Club
9:30 AM Arrive to a warm welcome.
Coffee talk.
Take time to relax and greet friends.
Share stories about what is going on in our lives.
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.
Brain Games. Trivia, Shake Loose a Memory (anything to get neurons firing and friends reminiscing)
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.
Begin preparing for lunch. Clear off tables from previous activities. Clean hands. Get drinks and napkins ready for lunch.
Noon Lunch. Best shared with friends.
Finish up game from before lunch if the group is still interested
Work on Craft/Art project. Listen to music. Members are encouraged to engage with other members.
Physical Activity. Sit and Stretch, Balloon Volley, Beanbag Toss. Encourages movement and laughter.
2:20 PM Begin to look for caregivers to arrive. Say our good byes and talk about the day we’ve had.
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 Activity Director 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.
Member Benefits
Exercise
Group exercises and active games improve range-of-motion and balance, build strength, get blood and joints moving, and improve overall wellbeing.
Mental Stimulation
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.
Social Interaction
Old Friends Club creates space for community and friendship. The companionship allows group members to care for one another, restores a sense of purpose and even becomes motivation to get moving in the morning.
Nourishment
A nutritious lunch shared with friends nourishes body and soul.
Independence
Engaging with peers outside of the home offers a chance to regain a sense of independence.
Interdependence
Club members discover common ground, make friends and find ways to show kindness to one another. Caring for others is a gift of purpose for people who so often must submit to care.
Additional Benefits
Respite for Caregivers
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 $15 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.
