The heart of our organization continues to be enhancing the lives of those impacted by dementia. In the last year, our Clinical Care Coaches had more than 3,000 interactions with clients, providing family consultations, resources, and a depth of support that truly helps those who need it. Whether in English or Spanish, our Supportive Services are the first line of comfort for those who live with the realities of this disease every day. So when we hear stories like this one from one of our clients “S.”, we know that our work is reaching exactly the people who need it most. Here’s her story, in her own words (translated from Spanish):

“I am a dedicated caregiver who has been supporting my husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease just 3 years ago. The news of his diagnosis was overwhelming and marked the beginning of a challenging but meaningful journey for me and my family.

At first, I didn’t understand much about the disease and felt lost and overwhelmed by the emotional and physical demands of caregiving. That’s when I learned about Sobrellevando el Cuidado (Coping With Caregiving) offered by Alzheimer’s San Diego. Not only did this program focus on the wellbeing of people with dementia, but they also provided invaluable support for caregivers, recognizing the importance of taking care of oneself so that one can better care for others. This program has been one of the most transformative experiences because I learned so much about the disease, how to manage behavior, and self-care. I learned how to adapt communication, create a safe environment, and approach behavior changes with compassion. I mostly learned from others who shared similar stories of love, grief, and challenges. The program and the educator provided a safe space that allowed me to express my emotions and receive practical advice from people who truly understood my situation.

In addition to direct programs, Alzheimer’s San Diego facilitated access to community resources, alleviating the logistical burden that often accompanies caring for someone with memory loss. In short, Coping With Caregiving has transformed my approach to caregiving. I’ve gone from feeling overwhelmed and isolated to feeling supported, informed, and empowered.”

Spanish education continues to flourish

Because Latino/Hispanic communities are disproportionately impacted by dementia, our focus on expanding services in Spanish continued in 2023. This year, we offered 47 Spanish language classes throughout San Diego County, both in person and online. Few dementia-specific services exist for this population, and most services that deliver free dementia and health education are not designed to meet their specific needs.

Community Partners

Administration for Community Living
Advanced Brain Monitoring
Alector
Axos Bank
Bureau of Justice Assistance
CBS8
David C. Copley Foundation
Fox5
Grossmont Healthcare District
Home Instead
Icon Utility Services
Jingoli Power
Par West
Patriot General Engineering, Inc.
SCAN Health Plan
SDG&E
SDSU Research Foundation
Sharp HealthCare
Southland Electric
USC ATRI
Walter J. and Betty C. Zable
Foundation