Old Friends Club offers much needed relief for caregivers

Local organization offers respite care for people helping loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

By Sarah McCauley For the Tribune

LYNDEN — What can be one of the most isolating experiences is transformed into a source of connection and community through the Old Friends Club.

The program offers respite care to anyone who is caring for a loved one with de-

Can Exercise Help with Brain Hea lth?

mentia. This program also fills a need in the Lynden community.

According to the organization’s website, Old Friends Club empowers communities to cultivate joy in the lives of adults with cognitive challenges and nourish the well-being of family caregivers. Observing one of their groups filled with smiles and games, it’s clear the organization is meeting this standard.

The crew at Old Friends Club’s Bellingham branch, above, spends the day laughing and sharing stories under the guidance of Activities Coordinator, Megan Dufault, (centered in photo) and Program Assistant Shawn Monninger (not pictured here). (Sarah McCauley for the Tribune)

Megan Dufault, at left in photo at left, Old Friends Club activities coordinator, devotes her time to ensuring club members feel seen and heard, while keeping the group engaged in fun activities. Shawn Monninger, centered in photo at right, Old Friends Club program assistant, laughs as he helps lead the group in a gentle game of catch. Throughout the day, group coordinators at Old Friends Club work to keep the club members engaged in activities that benefit their physical and mental health. (Sarah McCauley for the Tribune)

Anyone who is caring for someone with dementia can utilize the services of Old Friends Club to get some much-needed and well-deserved time for self-care. It’s a huge problem that the Old Friends Club is trying to solve, according to Executive Director Daniel Gray.

In Washington, more than 120,000 people over the age of 65 live with Alzheimer’s disease, which means 300,000 family caregivers are left to navigate the challenges of supporting someone with dementia, according to Gray. These loved ones take on the role of caregiver and “provide 434 million hours of unpaid care valued at $10.9 billion,” he said.

“Caregiving for a loved one living with cognitive decline is a 24/7 job,” Gray said. “Sleep-cycle disturbances may mean your loved one is up through the night, the tendency to wander can mean that even short lapses in monitoring can be stressful, even basic errands like going to the grocery store require special preparation and planning.”

Caregivers experience high levels of stress, depression, illness, and financial challenges, Gray said. Old Friends Club aims to provide relief to these people carrying this burden. The organization’s website reminds caregivers “it’s OK and important to make sure your own needs are met.”

Respite programs like Old Friends Club offer relief to people carrying the burden of providing around-the-clock care for someone they love. For a day, they can drop off their loved one and know they will be in good hands.

Anyone interested in the program is welcome to stop by the program to try it out, according to Gray.

“We encourage anyone interested in the program to give us a call and find some time to stop by with their loved one for a cup of coffee, or tea, or cocoa,” Gray said. “We strongly recommend a couple of try it out for anyone interested in joining as a member where there’s no cost, no obligation, just an invitation to visit, and maybe participate in an activity for an hour or two.”

Caregivers who take Gray up on this offer will encounter a group laughing together and having a good time. The attentive coordinators keep club members engaged in conversations with the group, or activities such as gently tossing around a soft ball or stretching.

The organization website states that 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.

Stepping into one of the sessions, it’s clear to the observer that the organization is fulfilling this mission. Whether they are cracking jokes or engaging in a group activity - the group is smiling and laughing.

Old Friends Club operates in a few different locations around the greater Bellingham area, including Lynden, Carnation and Camano Island.

The Lynden branch is at Sonlight Church, 8800 Bender Road, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

To learn more, or to schedule a visit, go to oldfriendsclub.org or email welcome@ oldfriendsclub.org.