Camano Friends Club

Camano Friends Club is a community-based social respite program that provides reliable, scheduled relief to those caring for a friend or family member living with dementia. Our Club is a place of friendship and belonging for those living with dementia, where we share life together through conversation, music, art, games, exercise, and a meal. While they enjoy the Club, caregivers have reliable respite – practical chunks of time to recharge and tend to other needs.

A typical five-hour program at the Camano Friends Club includes:

• Low-impact social time to encourage group engagement and support
• Light physical activities
• Art and other creative projects
• Group-oriented games and other forms of cognitive stimulation
• Lunch, snacks, and light refreshments throughout the day

Other events may also appear in our programming, including guest performers from around our area, including musicians, presenters, and more, as well as some activities facilitated by those groups. Programming is constantly reviewed and updated to make sure it is aligned with the interests and passions of the members.

Who are these programs for?

While the need for respite endures throughout the progression of a diagnosis, Camano Friends Club does not provide medical services, health monitoring, or medication assistance and is designed as a social model. This means that members need to be able to self-administer medications, participate in a small-group setting, and be able to self-toilet or wear adult undergarments.

Program Basics

• Our program is currently offered two a week Tuesdays and Thursdays. Five hours per day, 9:30-2:30.
• Membership is capped at 12 members with two staff members and up to 10 supporting program volunteers.
• To ensure that scheduled respite is not prevented by an already-full program for the day, program membership is maintained on a monthly-basis, ensuring that your loved one's spot is always saved.

Current Program Schedule

Tuesdays and Thursdays,
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Camano Center,
606 Arrowhead Road,
Camano Island, Wa 98282

Program fees

Program fees are based on an all-inclusive rate of $425/month for one session a week. Two days a week when space is available is $795/month.

• Program fees are prorated for partial months for new members.
• Flat rate membership fees include funds for program supplies/activity costs as well as a daily lunch and snacks.
• If you carry Long Term Care Insurance, check with the provider to see if day program services are a covered benefit.
• Please inquire about scholarship funds if cost is a barrier.