OUR MISSION

We strive to enhance quality of life of those afflicted with Alzheimer's and other dementias through respectful, professional and compassionate care. To preserve dignity and meet cognitive, social and emotional needs by partnering with family members, health professionals and our community.

Description:
The CARE CLUB began serving Alzheimer's and dementia individuals in May of 2005. The purpose of this four day a week program is to provide a stimulating, social environment for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia, while providing a period of respite for those families involved in their full-time care. The program, which is located at the Cathedral of the Rockies, downtown Boise, has a "club like" environment with enrichment and social activities in a non-denominational setting. Services include nutritional meals, opportunities for recreation, physical exercise and crafts in a nurturing and respectful atmosphere. Our goal is to become a "model adult care facility."

History:
In January of 2004 a series of meetings began concerning Alzheimer's Disease and its' impact on persons and families coping with this disease and other types of memory loss. Each member of this meeting group could see the stress that the disease placed on families and friends within their communities of influence whether family, church, city, county or state.

We discussed the needs families had for respite care, assistance with errands and chores, information and support in meeting the changing needs of their loved ones, and often just some time for themselves. We discovered that family caregivers were often stressed both physically and emotionally. Some were not able to continue their involvement in church and community activities, while others were unable to continue working because of the exhaustion resulting from round-the-clock care of their loved one. It was clear to the group that the impact of Alzheimer's on its' community was significant - emotionally, physically and financially, and that they wanted to join together to find a way to help.

As a result, the First United Methodist Church of Boise, Cathedral of the Rockies (FUMC), offered to supply space for the start of such a care facility, once a plan was developed. The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Idaho agreed to help by co-sponsoring a feasibility study to be performed by two Boise State University senior nursing students. The study, which began in early February, was completed at the end of April, 2004 and presented to FUMC's Board of Trustees. The Board gave their permission to use space in the church that was adjacent to kitchen facilities, had handicapped access, and close proximity to restroom facilities - all of which was almost perfect for our needs.

The next step was to establish a non-profit organization supported by a community coalition, designed specifically to provide respite care for families and persons with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Our organization could now share administrative expenses, staff and training and maximize funding and community support/talent opportunities. We decided to name our organization the Community Alzheimer's Respite & Enrichment Club - CARE Club for short. Thus, an advisory coalition has now been established. This coalition is a network made up of health and human service agencies, church and community leaders. The purpose of the coalition is to recruit volunteers, identify CARE Program recipients and assist with the financial commitments of the program.

Over the course of this series of meetings, the following individuals and organizations were represented:
Alzheimer's Association
Idaho Commission on Aging
Geriatric Pharmacology
Faith In Action
and others....
The work of this growing network centers on meeting with other community leaders to grow the coalition and further identify the needs of this community as it relates to Alzheimer's Disease/dementia care.

Since the C.A.R.E. Club opened on May 3, 2005 we have provided services to over 100 families in the Treasure Valley.

Contact person: Susan Spelliscy, Executive Director, (208) 761-6591, (email)
Office fax number: (208) 343-0000

Address:

717 N. 11th Street Boise, ID 83702 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.careclubboise.org