About Caddie Companions Initiative
Caddie Companions Initiative (or Caddie) is a companion service for recreational golfers with diagnosed/undiagnosed Dementia and who's symptoms are starting to make it harder to play. The player should have previous golfing experience and possess the necessary physical abilities to complete a nine-hole round, along with the mental and social capacity to interact with a volunteer caddie.
Each volunteer participating in the Caddie program has completed the essentiALZ® training from the Alzheimer’s Association* and acknowledges that their responsibility is for the wellbeing of the golfer and communicating with the caregiver.
*The Caddie Companions Initiative is not endorsed by, or affiliated with The Alzheimer's Association.
First: Practice swings
We'll start on the driving range. This is an opportunity for our participants and their care partners to meet the volunteer and get to know each other.
Then: Tee it up!
After a successful range outing, we will schedule a round of golf for the participant and volunteer allowing the care partner respite time.
Let's play
Jack is 80 and has Alzheimer’s. He used to love golf, but we figured those days were behind him. Caddie gave him a chance to get back out there, and since then, they’ve golfed several times. It’s been a real bright spot for Jack — and a godsend of a break for me!
Annette, Salisbury MA