Spotlight: My Friend’s House

My Friend’s House – Alzheimer’s Day Care Program Sponsored by VSU

My Friend's House Team Members

Warm and welcoming on a day in early spring, the little yellow house with the crisp white trim and beckoning front porch at 109 Moore Street offers a daily haven to Alzheimer’s patients and much needed respite for their caregivers.

Dr. Dorothy Dye has been the leading force of the Valdosta area Alzheimer’s Daycare and Research Facility known as My Friend’s House since 2003.  As the only full-day care program in a nine county area, My Friend’s House is sponsored by the Social Work Department at Valdosta State University and funded by the Waycross Area Council on Aging, and relies on VSU grants as well as private donations for funding and annual operations.

Alzheimer’s affects people in many different ways and the disease has become widespread.  There are 1500 reported cases of Alzheimer’s in Lowndes County according to the last census and most likely there are more which have not been reported; the fastest growing population with the disease are African American women.  Dr. Dye explained that the caregivers are dying earlier than their patients, which in itself presents a challenge due to ongoing care.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC), a program to assist those caring for patients with the disease, was created by Darlene Myers, Program Coordinator.  Darlene indicated that the program is a six week course which meets one time per week for 90 minutes.  Typically the class start times are 1:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. but are generally scheduled as per the needs of the caregiver.  Class participants may also bring their loved ones with them to the class.  Group classes for organizations or churches are also available.

Although early onset is rare and usually only affects seniors, according to Dr. Dye there are currently 4.5 million American’s with Alzheimer’s, and by 2050, it is estimated that there will be 14 million to 18 million Americans with the disease.  While no cure has been found to date, there are specific medications which help to slow the progression of the disease.

Currently, 6 team members are on staff at My Friend’s House along with VSU practicum students and volunteers from Fraternities and Sororities.   The day care program is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information, Dr. Dye may be reached at 229.293.6145 or via email at ddye@valdosta.edu.