Alzheimer’s Buddies

Apr 11

Harvard College Alzheimer’s Buddies addresses the profound isolation and social disengagement faced by individuals in the intermediate-to-late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Through consistent, one-on-one companionship, our volunteers build meaningful emotional connections with residents in memory care—focusing not on what has been lost, but on what remains.

Each week, volunteers are paired individually with dementia residents at two partnering care facilities: Hebrew SeniorLife in Roslindale and Springhouse Senior Living Community in Jamaica Plain. Shifts occur on Saturdays, with the first group meeting at 10:00 AM in Quincy Parking lot and traveling via PBHA vans to Hebrew SeniorLife (1200 Centre St, Roslindale, MA 02131), returning by noon. The second group meets at 12:30 PM in the Mac parking lot and travels to Springhouse (44 Allandale St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130), returning by 2:30 PM.

In addition to individualized buddy time, HCAB facilitates occasional large-group activities that encourage shared joy and interaction among residents and volunteers. Volunteers are trained to engage with empathy and creativity, learning to be fully present and responsive to the needs and preferences of their buddies.

Beyond weekly visits, HCAB also leads the planning and execution of our annual Alzheimer’s Symposium, a signature event that brings together researchers, clinicians, caregivers, and community members. The Symposium offers a platform to share the latest in Alzheimer’s Disease research and care, educate the broader community on memory disorders, and inspire action to combat the loneliness experienced by those living with Alzheimer’s.

HCAB is supported by a dedicated leadership team that coordinates weekly logistics, volunteer training, and community partnerships, while also working closely with PBHA staff to ensure sustainable impact.

Some of our most powerful memories come from watching the bonds between buddies grow over time—seeing the transformation from initial introductions to deep, heartfelt companionships that brighten the days of both residents and volunteers alike.

Mission

PBHA’s Harvard College Alzheimer’s Buddies (HCAB) responds to the profound isolation and social disengagement experienced by people in the intermediate-to-late-stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Volunteers build meaningful emotional connections with dementia residents during weekly one-on-one visits, focusing on what is still present in their buddies and improving the life that they have despite limitations. HCAB currently visits patients at the Hebrew Senior Life Rehabilitation Center and Springhouse Senior Living Community in Massachusetts.

We require either or both the elderly training program run at PBHA or we hold our own training for the Hebrew SeniorLife facility. Our Hebrew SeniorLife facility requires tuberculosis testing and many vaccine requirements in order to begin as a volunteer. Generally, we accept as many volunteers as our vans and van drivers are able to accommodate for. Our timeline for onboarding volunteers primarily happens in the fall, with a potential for some volunteers to start in the Spring.