Rice Alzheimer's Buddies

Rice Alzheimer’s Buddies is a response to the profound isolation and social disengagement experienced by people in the intermediate-to-late-stages of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia-related illnesses. Student volunteers form meaningful relationships over the course of a semester or longer with residents at memory care facilities ("Buddies"). This interaction not only provides patients with social support, but also provides students with formative clinical experience and training on this devastating disease.

In addition to volunteering at outside facilities, we host numerous community and campus-based “Gathering Place” events, where caregivers receive respite while volunteers provide enriching activities for older adults with dementia, such as student performance groups, exercises, music, and games. Your support would help continue funding this initiative, as well as supporting more activities for our student volunteers. Any contribution is greatly appreciated!