"A Friend for Rachel" provides students with professional interests in healthcare a unique learning experience and volunteer opportunity. Students offer ongoing companionship to individuals with early to moderate stage dementia and their caregivers.
As a "friend," you can:
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Assist people with early to moderate stage dementia in continuing to enjoy their interests, remaining active, engaging in meaningful activities, forming new relationships, and avoiding isolation.
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Provide respite and support to family caregivers.
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Develop a comprehensive understanding of dementia, which is considered a public health crisis.
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Cultivate a meaningful relationship with a person dealing with dementia.
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Enhance your communicaton and listening skills.
Some of the topics covered in training sessions include:
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Grasping the concept of dementia and cognitive impairment.
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Recognizing the burden on caregivers.
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Pursuing quality of life and tailored meaningful activities using art, music, and horticulture.
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Refining effective communication skills for interactions with patients and families.
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Understanding behaviors and their underlying significance.
Requirements: (Must be a junior, senior, or post-bacc to apply)
- Complete an application and zoom interview (week of Sept. 18)
- Attend monthly zoom training sessions (For fall:) Oct. 15, 29; Nov. 19; Dec. TBA
- Spend 1-3 hrs/week with your “friend” on zoom meetings or in person
- 1 meeting/month with the family caregiver
- Write weekly reflections on your experience and learning.
