The ALZ Companions respite program is one we’re proud to offer year in and year out. For anyone unfamiliar with this program, we match volunteers with people living with dementia and their care partners so they can enjoy a weekly social visit. Visits may be in person or virtual, and serve two main goals: providing respite for the care partner and socialization for the person living with dementia.
The ALZ Companions program launched back in 2014 when the growing need for respite was identified, and our current Director of Social Programs and Volunteers, Adrianna McCollum, was the one hired to create and run the program. There was a soft launch in the summer of 2014, with a bigger launch occurring shortly afterwards in the fall. About a year later, nearly one hundred families were actively being supported by volunteers.
Most of our volunteers for this program have been students, and thus we’ve been able to partner with local colleges and universities to promote the program and provide a rewarding learning experience. Students who volunteer in this program come from all backgrounds and majors, and have the opportunity to learn while giving back in a meaningful way.
An interesting and unintentional benefit that has developed in the ALZ Companions program is how intergenerational it has become. Since many of the volunteers are much younger than the people living with dementia, the people who have had long-term matches have made genuine bonds and often remark their relationship is akin to one of a grandparent and grandchild.
In 2020, we of course had to pause in-person visits, so ALZ Companions transitioned to video-chat platforms to maintain relationships virtually. ALZ Companions was able to resume in person visits again in 2021.
If you are interested in signing up for the ALZ Companions program, click here or call our office at 858.492.4400. For potential volunteers, you can visit our volunteer page to learn about and sign up to be a Companion Volunteer or another rewarding volunteer position.
By Braulio Ambriz
