EVERETT– Caregivers for loved ones with dementia will soon have another option for respite as the Volunteers of America takes its Old Friends Club north, to the city of Everett. The Club is a Dementia Day program designed to support people with early to mid-stage dementia while caregivers have time to relax, run errands, or even spend time “off the clock” with their loved one. Twice a week, club members spend about five hours enjoying activities like games, light exercise, arts and crafts, music and spend quality time with fellow club members over lunch.
Volunteers of America of Western Washington’s (VOAWW) leadership say their version of the Old Friends Club is affiliated with the nationally recognized program. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 9 Americans age 65 and older is living with dementia, a figure projected to increase to nearly 1 in 7 by 2045. More than 13,000 people in Snohomish County are estimated to be living with dementia and its effects. VOAWW Interim CEO Kristi Myers says that that program heads quickly realized the need for additional services in Snohomish County after experiencing high demand firsthand at its Lynnwood location.
“When my mother was living with Alzheimer’s, our family experienced firsthand the challenges of dementia. Having a program like Old Friends Club for her to have fun, stay active and engaged while giving us some time reset and recharge would have been a godsend,” Myers said of her own experience. “There’s a lot of sad times, but there’s a lot of fun times that can go on and stories that I think back at and still laugh to this day. So, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. As you’re going through this, there are moments of light and love and excitement.”
Beginning Sept. 1, the Everett program will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Carl Gipson Center, located at 3025 Lombard Ave. The location can service as many as 12 participants. The program costs $800 per month. To learn more about VOAWW’s Old Friends Club or register for participation, visit their website here.