Local resources:
1) Alzheimer's San Diego
This organization has community education, social activities, and outings for individuals living with dementia. The VITALZ (Volunteers in Touch) program is specifically created for individuals living with dementia who live alone. The participants will receive weekly phone calls from a volunteer and a trained social worker. The ALZ Companions Respite Program is another program which carefully chooses volunteers to connect with individuals living with dementia who live alone. They will connect with each other virtually via Face Time or Zoom or in person whenever safe and convenient. Through the Talk with a Dementia Expert program, the Clinical Care Coaches can assist individuals living with dementia who live alone by connecting them with additional community resources. The Social Activities & Outings program will provide individuals living with dementia who live alone with many social activities, such as Music Centered Wellness, Movement & Motion and BaseALZ. The social outings program includes Pet Encounter Therapy, San Diego Botanic Garden, Museum of Making Music, and San Diego Automotive Museum, and Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala. The social activities and outings will provide excellent opportunities for individuals living with dementia who live alone to socialize with each other. Check out the website: Alzheimer's San Diego
2) ElDERHELP
Elderhelp, partnered with Alzheimer's San Diego, provides rides to medical appointments, delivers food & essentials, assists with grocery shopping, helps with home safety projects and much more!
It provides award winning programs and community service of all-inclusive care for the elderly: senior apartments, assisted living & reflection memory care, active retirement living, skilled nursing care & rehabilitation, day care and pre-school.
6) Alzheimer's Association - San Diego/Imperial Chapter: Alzheimer's Association SD
Nationwide resources:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health, and National Institute on Aging etc. have information for individuals living with dementia who live alone about how to get educated and helped. Visit the following websites for more information:
Most programs are information based, which provide good education and tips to people living with dementia. The social activities and outings for individuals living with dementia are not easily found and those are important for individuals living with dementia who live alone.
Individuals living with dementia who live alone may not know of these programs. These organizations can reach out to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies to advocate these programs. They can also reach out to community recreation centers, libraries, and parks. Individuals living with dementia who live alone may not be able to participate in these programs. They may need transportation to get to the activities and outings’ places. A simple survey could be designed to find out why individuals living with dementia who live alone are hesitant to participate. Their suggestions can also be asked so the programs can be improved.
An event called ALZ San Diego Day of Service can be planned and organized. On that day, a group volunteer event will invite people who have Alzheimer’s, their family members, care partners, and individuals living with dementia who live alone to volunteer at Feeding San Diego. With ALZ San Diego Day of Service, individuals living with dementia who live alone will not only socialize with others, but also feel that they can contribute to the community. In addition, the staff there are all super nice, kind, and supportive, which will allow the event to run smoothly. The event will be held in the winter of 2023.