Matching Alzheimer’s Patients with “Buddies”

The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer’s Disease Center (say that three times fast..) or CNADC is sponsoring a “Buddy Program.”  

They match first year medical students with persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.  The students are asked to spend 4-5 hours a month with their buddy.  They can do anything like going out to eat, window shopping, going to a museum or just walking along the lake and talking.

The concept helps both parties.  The person with Alzheimer’s is able to enjoy some socialization and companionship (and give the family caregiver a brief respite).  The students are able to learn through sharing with the individual and the family more about the disease in a non-clinical setting.  It’s a win win for both parties – not to mention the friendships and bonds that can form over time.

Currently they are looking for individuals who would be interested in joining the program.  They are especially interested in those who live in the city of Chicago or those with family members who would not mind driving into the city due to the transportation limitations of the medicals students.

For more information and/or to sign up please contact Andrea Skoglund, MSW, LCSW at 312-503-0604 or Darby Morhardt MSW, LCSW 312-908-9432 or click here!

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels