Buddy Program for Older LGBT Adults

The Buddy Program provides companion visits to older members of the LGBT community who are alone, homebound, hospitalized or otherwise physically or socially isolated. Buddies provide social connections for clients and assist with their needs. Buddies also identify needed additional resources and help integrate those into the client’s care.

While this seems simple enough, in settings such as retirement communities, nursing homes and hospitals, institutionalized LGBT bias forces many LGBT older adults back into the closet. Once there, staff make it difficult to identify them, often putting up road blocks for programs like the Buddy Program to work.

Created by Dr. Laura Kelly, the Buddy Program was a part of Monmouth University’s Schools of Social Work and Nursing for many years.  In September 2015, the program moved to QSpot.

Become a Buddy Volunteer – Want to learn more about the Buddy Program or how you can help an older LGBT adult?  Please contact [email protected] or call 732-455-3373.