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Senior Buddy Program

  • Program Overview

    Our Senior Buddy Program (SBP) fosters meaningful intergenerational connections by pairing college students with older adults in residential facilities and community centers. Through this program, we help reduce social isolation and loneliness, improve resident satisfaction, mental health, and overall well-being.

    Learn more

  • Senior Buddy Role Description

    Learn what it means to be a Senior Buddy and how you can bring companionship, connection, and joy to older adults experiencing isolation.

    Learn more

  • Comfort Kits

    Comfort Kits are an extension of our services that we offer to provide additional comfort and support. Our Senior Buddy Comfort Kits are filled with cozy socks, warm fuzzy blankets, and various items to spark joy.

    Help fill a Comfort Kit with love by sending an item from our wishlist!

    Learn more

  • Share your story

    Your bravery, strength, and love inspires all of us at StudentsCare.

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Partner Testimonials

What our partner sites are saying about the Senior Buddy Program…

  • Executive Director

    Grand Living at Coral Gables

    You have made me cry...There are no words to express our gratitude for making a difference in our residents’ lives.

  • Life Enrichment Director

    Fountainview at Logan Square

    We just wanted to take a moment to say a big, heartfelt thank you for everything you do here at Fountain View as we celebrate Volunteer Recognition Day. You bring so much energy, kindness, and fun into our community, and it truly doesn’t go unnoticed.

  • Development Director

    Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon

    Their commitment to volunteering with our elderly residents has been unwavering, fostering deep, lasting relationships that have transformed our community. The StudentsCare team brings a refreshing blend of creativity and compassion to each visit, greatly alleviating the workload of our social services and activities departments. Their presence has been a beacon of hope for our residents, significantly reducing feelings of isolation and depression, and reaffirming their sense of self-worth.

  • Annual Fund Manager

    Mary Ryder Home

    Many of our residents have no family or friends that visit them at the home, so when the group comes out it brings them so much joy. They are both compassionate and professional. We feel fortunate that they have chosen Mary Ryder Home as a participating agency.

  • Susan S. Bailis Assisted Living Community

    Boston, MA

    They [StudentsCare Buddies] are amazing in the way they work with our residents during activities, helping them to be able to enjoy all activities with a much lower level of stress. They bring comfort. The residents really enjoy having the volunteers around. The change in energy is noticeable and the residents seem much more engaged.

  • United HomeCare

    Miami, FL

    StudentsCare Buddies are a blessing to the older adults of Miami-Dade County. The motivation of your dedicated volunteers to provide the assistance needed by the homebound clients of UHC, from the moment they come to the office, experience the needs, and get involved with our clients, they are true professionals in the field of Aging. I call that COMPASSION!

  • Executive Director

    Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon

    StudentsCare Volunteers are so talented, with an education that allows them to support and interact with our residents on a whole new level. With so many residents, it is difficult for us to have constant one on one interactions with seniors. That’s where the StudentsCare program has been so beneficial because volunteers enable us to provide the personal care that seniors need.

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    What participants and their families are saying about the Senior Buddy Program…

    • Participant

      Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon

      I really like the StudentsCare program a lot. Lauryn's calls definitely motivate me more. She was even nice enough to teach me how to use Zoom, so now we video call often. Learning Zoom with Lauryn has shown the both of us that even old dogs can learn new tricks!

    • Participant

      Wesley Enhanced Living Main Line

      Mandy is a great gal. She asks me a lot of questions, so now I have started asking her questions back. I really got her passionate when I asked her about exercising. She tries to tap into what I am doing and what I like, and she remembers week to week. StudentsCare’s Senior Buddy Program was a wonderful idea, and I hope it is as successful with other participants as it has been with me and my StudentsCare volunteer.

    • Participant's Son

      Grand Living at Coral Gables

      My mom had her first visit today with Anabel from the StudentsCare Buddy Program and it exceeded my expectations. I stayed with Mom and Anabel because it felt like such a comfortable conversation. Mom was more engaged than I have seen her lately and I really think she will enjoy and benefit from this. Seeing her quality of life enhanced proves to me that she is where she needs to be.

    • Participant

      Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon

      They [volunteers] gives us the most amazing time and happiness, their attitude brings us so much joy. Their youth energy give us a warm feeling. I enjoy seeing how full of energy they are, it reminds me of my own children when they were in the university.

    • Participant

      Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon

      I’ve been in medical facilities in multiple countries, and the volunteers here have helped me mentally and emotionally in many ways. The commitment of them coming and being with us, sharing beautiful moments and activities, makes me very happy. I wake up early every time they come.

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    Student Volunteer Experience

    • Volunteering with the StudentsCare Senior Buddy Program has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my time at UM. Spending time with my Senior Buddy has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of meeting someone where they are. The moments of connection we share have shown me how powerful companionship can be.

      Anya Beniwal

      University of Miami

    • I spent some time hanging out with B. She was in such good spirits and kept mentioning how excited she was to see her son later in the day, which was really sweet. It meant a lot that she was also so happy to see me after I’d been sick and we hadn’t caught up in a while.

      Brianna Bourke

      Nova Southeastern University

    • We always try to talk and do different activities, and one of them is singing. Her daughter sent me a list of songs that she likes, and I have added others that she also enjoys, mostly boleros and tangos. For me, it is incredible how, even though she does not remember my name or what she ate for lunch, she remembers the lyrics of the songs very well when we start listening to them, even songs she sang when she was very young!

      Mireya Camelo Bueno

      Miami Dade Community College
    • Meet Our Buddies

    SENIOR BUDDY PROGRAM SITES

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