The Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter hosted its bilingual Caregiver Symposium – a free, thoughtfully organized event designed to empower family caregivers navigating the dementia journey. Cheer Home Care was honored to attend as both a guest and a vendor, reinforcing our mission to support individuals with Alzheimer’s and professional caregivers.
The Alzheimer’s Association – San Diego/Imperial Chapter
The Alzheimer’s Association works year-round to support those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia through education, advocacy, and research. The San Diego Chapter is a regional extension of this mission, offering local programs, helplines, support groups, and multilingual resources where they are needed. Learn more about their work at alz.org/sandiego.
Why Cheer Home Care Showed Up
At Cheer Home Care, we understand that supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia requires more than just care hours; it needs community, education, and emotional support. As a longtime partner of the Alzheimer’s Association, we host local support groups in our offices and provide respite care and one-on-one guidance to support family caregivers. Attending the symposium was an opportunity not only to share our services but also to learn about Alzheimer’s and stand with those doing the work of caregiving.
Insights from the Day
Every attendee (regardless of language preference) was welcomed with equal access to support and information. As one Cheer team member reflected, “It was so meaningful to speak with caregivers who were just stepping into this role for the first time. Some were familiar with support services, while others simply needed a starting point.”
This shared understanding was evident in the questions caregivers asked:
- “Are there support groups near me?”
- “Where do I begin?”
These simple yet weighty questions reminded us just how overwhelming the early stages of caregiving can be. The symposium also reinforced a value we hold at Cheer: the importance of supporting not just the client but the entire family unit. Building a relationship of trust with a caregiver benefits everyone involved and ultimately strengthens the care experience.
Takeaways for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Here are some practical takeaways shared at the symposium:
Communicating Effectively with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s:
- Speak slowly, use short, clear sentences, and maintain eye contact.
- Offer “choices” rather than open-ended questions to reduce confusion.
- Pay attention to non-verbal cues, your tone, and gestures.
Responding to Dementia Behaviors:
- Stay calm. If your loved one becomes agitated, try redirecting to a different activity or environment.
- Avoid correcting or arguing; instead, validate feelings and then slowly shift the focus.
- Remember that behavior is often a form of communication; look for the unmet need behind it.
Local Resources for San Diego
- Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
- Southern Caregiver Resource Center: Training and support services.
- ElderHelp San Diego: Assistance for seniors living independently
How Cheer Home Care Provides Alzheimer’s Support
Cheer Home Care is proud to offer in-home care tailored to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Our caregivers are trained to provide support with patience and empathy. We also guide families through the transitions and complexities of cognitive decline. From helping a loved one with daily tasks to supporting a family caregiver through burnout, our team is here!
Explore our Alzheimer’s and dementia care services here.
Looking Ahead
One message came through clearly for our team as we reflected on the event: education and community are the game changers! The symposium encouraged us to keep learning and to keep showing up. To caregivers who couldn’t attend, please know you’re not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association, Cheer, and countless other local organizations are here for you.
