In spring 2021, Houston lost the incomparable Dr. Carmel B. Dyer, a renowned geriatrician who dedicated her life to making geriatric healthcare accessible to all Houstonians, especially those in underserved communities. In 2021, Elderabuse.org gave a significant donation to CarePartners, in Houston, TX, to launch a program that would serve as a legacy to her commitment to vulnerable older adults.

Dr. Carmel Dyer speaks with a patient.

CarePartners is a Houston-based nonprofit that has assisted older adults and their family caregivers for over three decades. They are launching a grassroots program to continue Dr. Dyer’s legacy of serving Houston’s most-overlooked neighborhoods supported by the Carmel B. Dyer Second Family Program.

COVID has illuminated the dangers of social isolation for everyone, and older adults are no exception.  Typically, older adults experiencing social isolation and loneliness have fewer support systems in their lives.  All these factors can significantly increase the risks of elder abuse and mistreatment.  Through the Carmel B. Dyer Second Family Program, CarePartners will counter these risks by collaborating with trusted community partners to pioneer a volunteer program to bring connection and community to isolated older adults.

Today, many people live miles away from their parents and grandparents. This initiative will provide a second family for the oldest members of our families. Through this new adaptation of CarePartners’ Second Family program, volunteers of all ages and walks of life will provide at-risk older adults with the companionship and social interactions that are vital to their safety, health, and sense of purpose.

Donate today to join us turn Dr. Dyer’s dream into a reality — providing medical equity, safety, and well-being for all our community’s elders.

A generous donor has offered to match every gift made to the Carmel B. Dyer Second Family program up to $50,000! Double your donation right now!