Homage Senior Services launches free dementia support program

Homage Senior Services has launched Healthy Minds, Caring Hearts, a new federally funded program offering completely free support for anyone concerned about memory loss.

The program is open to anyone 18 or older who needs support, Homage said in a news release. It will serve Snohomish County and, as capacity allows, neighboring counties, with all services offered at no cost.

The program announcement comes as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month gets underway this June, more than 7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and 11 million family caregivers are supporting them — often alone, exhausted and without a clear place to turn. Homage said.

While every service is free, to keep it that way, Homage must raise $80,000 over the next year to match the federal funding behind it.

“Families often wait years before reaching out for support because they’re told directly or indirectly that they need a diagnosis, a referral, or money before anyone will help,” said Katie Killingsworth, dementia family support specialist at Homage Senior Services. “Healthy Minds, Caring Hearts removes those barriers. If you’re worried about yourself or someone you love, you can come to us without paperwork, without cost, and without delay.”

“This program is a natural extension of Homage’s mission to promote dignity, independence, and well-being for older adults and people with disabilities in our community,” said Kristine Dillin, director of social services at Homage Senior Services. “Dementia touches every part of a person’s life — not just their health, but their relationships, sense of belonging, and ability to stay connected to everyday activities. This program will meet people where they are, remove barriers to access, and focus on supporting the individual. We are also deeply committed as an organization to becoming a dementia-friendly organization and setting an example for other organizations in Snohomish County and beyond to do the same.”

Free support is available at homage.org/health-wellness/dementia-program

Programs include:

Memory Cafés (monthly)

Social, judgment-free gatherings for people with early to moderate dementia and their caregivers together. Activities may include crafts, music, movement and cooking.

Locations | Senior centers and community hubs (to be determined based on community needs).

Caregiver Support Groups (monthly)

Peer support sessions where caregivers can share challenges, access mental health resources, and connect with others who understand the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. Caregivers may attend independently.

Locations | Community hubs (to be determined).

Dementia Friends Information Sessions

Free community education sessions for individuals, businesses, faith groups, workplaces and organizations. Participants learn how to be more dementia‑friendly and receive certificates. Sessions are delivered by trained volunteers who bring the program into their own communities.

Locations | By request; available countywide and beyond. Partner: UW Medicine Memory & Brain Wellness Center.

How to access services

Families can contact Homage directly for a brief conversation to assess needs and connect to the appropriate program.

Email | [email protected]

Phone |425-513-1900 (ADRN department)

Website | https://homage.org/health-wellness/dementia-program

Cost | free (Homage covers the typical $75–$100 per-session cost)

After initial contact, Homage conducts a short interview and immediately connects families to Memory Cafés, Support Groups, Dementia Friends sessions or other community resources.

Donations welcome

The Healthy Minds, Caring Hearts program is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award. Because the grant has an end date, Homage said it will need community donations and long-term foundation/partner support to sustain these vital services long‑term.

Healthy Minds, Caring Hearts is free to families because federal funding is matched by community support. To meet its match and sustain the program beyond the grant period, Homage must raise $80,000 over the next year. You can learn more and donate here.

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteers help expand dementia‑friendly support across the region by assisting with Dementia Friends sessions, support groups, and Memory Cafés (with staff support). All training is provided. Interested individuals can apply here and will be vetted through the volunteer department.