Alzheimer's San Diego available for 'Solo Agers'

San Diego, CA - Dec. 11, 2024 - In San Diego County, there are approximately 100,000 residents with dementia and it’s estimated that one-quarter (25%) of them live alone. Known as “solo agers,” they may have an increased risk for injury or harm as a result of their symptoms. Seniors living alone with any form of memory loss may not have an adequate support system, and, especially during the holiday season, may be alone and vulnerable. But the free services from Alzheimer’s San Diego can help solo agers this holiday season and throughout the year.

Among 4.3 million adults over the age of 55 living alone with cognitive impairment in the United States, 72% reported not receiving help with an activity of daily living. Elder adults living alone with cognitive impairment also report a high number of unmet needs in managing finances, medications, and mobility as well as in basic activities of daily living. Although most individuals experiencing cognitive impairment reside with a caregiver, locally, one-quarter of them are on their own.

“At Alzheimer’s San Diego, we want to make sure every person who knows someone or thinks they themselves may be experiencing memory loss, knows that we are here to help. They don’t have to experience this alone,” said Kristen Romea, LCSW, director of supportive services, Alzheimer’s San Diego. “We have a wide variety of programs specifically designed to tackle the many challenges of cognitive impairment. There’s no reason for anyone to feel lonely or isolated. The holidays can feel hard on this population, especially if they feel forgotten. We’re here to support, whether it’s with a phone call or a visit.”

This is why Alzheimer’s San Diego encourages the community to check in on their loved ones, neighbors, and anyone they regularly come in contact with in the community who may be experiencing a form of memory loss. Many people with memory loss aren’t aware of it or may neglect seeking a diagnosis. They may simply be unable to recognize the changes happening with their cognition and may not realize how unsafe their living situation has become.

While there are many reasons for people with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and memory loss to live alone – like having adult children or family who live out of town -- one of the main reasons is that the vast majority of seniors want to age in place, and those living alone with dementia are not an exception. Unfortunately, without the safety net that comes with living with a caregiver, these vulnerable individuals often fall through the cracks.

Cognitive impairment places major risks for solo agers, but support is available
Solo agers with cognitive impairment who live alone are at greater risk than those living with others for adverse health outcomes, including untreated medical conditions, self-neglect, malnutrition, falls, and fires. Alzheimer’s San Diego’s dementia care coaches and trained and screened volunteers can offer crucial services like ongoing check-ins, a home safety assessment, advocacy support, individualized resources and support, appointment and delivery reminders, weekly volunteer socialization calls, food resources, and non-urgent transportation assistance, among others – all at no charge.

“While there are a wide range of available services for people with dementia, many of these services require a caregiver to request them, are costly, complicated to coordinate, or require the person to physically be able to go outside of their home to get services,” says Eugenia Welch, CEO, Alzheimer’s San Diego. “This can be difficult because having to drive or use public transportation, navigate complex bureaucratic systems, or manage the many moving pieces of coordinating care can be a challenge for someone with dementia. The services we provide at Alzheimer’s San Diego are free of charge and can be provided in their home, over the phone, or at one of our community locations at no charge.”

Alzheimer’s San Diego is a beacon of hope for those living with dementia
Recently a Spanish-speaking volunteer was matched with an 83-year-old San Diego woman who only speaks Spanish. The woman was feeling lonely and isolated. She has a love for Mexican soap operas, which she hadn't been able to discuss with anyone. Coincidentally, her volunteer loves watching telenovelas too. The volunteer said that talking to the client brought on a special bond between them as they not only had a shared interest but she was also reminded of her mother. The volunteer also helped identify unsafe issues at the client's home, as well as food insecurity, and has since been delivering food bank packages to help ensure the client has plentiful and healthy food.

The appreciation from solo agers served by Alzheimer’s San Diego is immense. One participant said: "Thank you so much for reaching out, I know that there's no financial benefit from my end, so you guys calling and following up with me feels really important, the work you're doing, so thank you, thank you so much.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s Disease, and live alone, please contact Alzheimer’s San Diego to inquire about the nonprofit’s free available programs for our community at (858) 492-4400, by email at info@alzsd.org or by visiting alzsd.org.
About Alzheimer’s San Diego
Alzheimer’s San Diego is a local and independent nonprofit, not affiliated with a national organization or association, dedicated to providing support, education, advocacy, and social connection for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Alzheimer's San Diego strives to enhance the quality of life of all those impacted by these conditions in San Diego County. For more information, visit alzsd.org or call (858) 492-4400.