Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brian’s Buddies?
Dedicated to ending the social isolation of people living with Lewy body dementia (LBD), Brian’s Buddies is a program that connects small groups of early to mid-stage individuals who have similar interests and matches volunteers to help facilitate regular online get-togethers.
Is Brian’s Buddies a virtual only program?
Yes.The program is designed for people to meet and socialize online. However, if over time, the group wants to meet in person, everyone is free to do what works for their group. Individuals and their caregivers would organize and be responsible for any gatherings outside the online meetings.
Is there a fee to join Brian’s Buddies?
No. Brian’s Buddies is generously supported by the True Vine Experience Foundation, The Strongin Family, and individual donors. If you would like to make a donation to support Brian’s Buddies, please click here and indicate it is in honor of Brian Strongin.
How does this work? How do I begin?
You fill out this simple form Join Brian’s Buddies. It will ask you questions about what your interests are, what you like to talk about with others, if you prefer to speak only with men or women, or if you have no preference. The form will also ask if you have a preferred day and time to meet and whether or not you have someone who can help you with the computer, if you need assistance.
Once your form is submitted, someone will contact you to begin. The Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center has a dedicated person on our team who will help organize the online meetings, send reminders, and be available should you have questions or need help. We will take care of the administrative details so you can enjoy time with new friends.
How many people are in a Brian’s Buddies group and how often do they meet online?
We recommend a group be a minimum of 4 people (plus your caregiver if you need the help). This way if one or two people cannot make a session, there are still enough people to have a good conversation. There are multiple Brian’s Buddies groups; each tailored to individual interests.
How often does the group meet?
We recommend once a week at the same date and time. That way, everyone knows when to be available and friendships can develop. But, the group can decide what works best. And changes can be made if the group finds a different day or time would work better.
