Member Spotlight: Old Friends Club & a new approach to dementia care, support for family caregivers

It’s hard to ask for help, especially when you’re used to being the one others rely on.

For many families facing a dementia diagnosis, the emotional toll can be just as overwhelming as the practical one. That’s where Old Friends Club comes in.

What started as a small nonprofit in Washington has grown into something much bigger: A community-first approach to dementia care that gives both individuals and caregivers a reason to exhale, reset, and reconnect.

Founded on the belief that both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers deserve support, dignity, and connection, Old Friends Club (OFC) operates with a simple but powerful mission ... They aim to equip communities to strengthen families impacted by dementia.

“Our social day program is dedicated to delivering meaningful engagement to people with dementia and breaks to caregivers,” said Executive Director Bob Delf. “Our mission is to equip communities to strengthen families impacted by dementia.”

For those living with dementia, day-to-day life can quickly become isolating. Fear, stigma, and confusion often follow a diagnosis. At the same time, caregivers — most often family or close friends — face mounting stress, burnout, and financial hardship. So, OFC steps in with a solution that supports both the individual and the caregiver.

Unlike traditional respite care models that often rely heavily on government reimbursement and complex billing systems, OFC offers a more sustainable approach. Their replicable model gives communities the roadmap, tools, and training needed to launch their own Club locations with no upfront cost.

Hope, as it turns out, can be as practical as it is powerful.

“There is no way to truly thank you for all you have done for my husband and the life we share. OFC is a beacon of hope, a lighthouse in a storm,” shared Ellyn, a local caregiver.

The Old Friends Club isn’t just about filling a gap in services. It’s about building community from the ground up. Programs are social by design, offering music, movement, storytelling, and more, all in a safe, engaging space that allows participants to connect with others who understand what they’re going through.

And the impact doesn’t stop there: OFC also actively partners with local organizations, volunteers, and professionals to empower each community to meet dementia-related challenges with both compassion and hands-on care.

Looking to make a difference? The Old Friends Club is currently seeking:

• Local organizations with available space to host a Club up to twice a week,
• Sponsors to support and sustain community-based programming,
• Volunteers to engage directly with Club members alongside trained staff,
• And champions such as social workers, nonprofit leaders, and healthcare professionals who recognize the value of OFC’s mission.

To learn more, get involved, or bring a Club to your own neighborhood, visit: oldfriendsclub.org