Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect individuals and their families; it ripples into communities, healthcare systems, and increasingly, the workplace. On July 26, the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter hosted its annual Business Breakfast, focused on the impact of Alzheimer’s in the workplace. For us at Cheer Home Care, supporting caregivers means more than just providing home care; it means advocating for resources, awareness, and understanding across every aspect of life, including the workplace.
Who Is the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter?
The Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter offers direct support, education, and advocacy to families navigating Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Their mission focuses on advancing care, funding research, and creating inclusive communities where no caregiver or patient is left behind. Learn more about their work at alz.org/sandiego.
Why did we attend?
At Cheer Home Care, we’ve partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association in more ways than one. From hosting monthly support groups at our office and leading educational events in the community to participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and sharing caregiver resources, our commitment extends beyond caregiving; it’s about building connections and sharing knowledge that empowers families.
Attending the Business Breakfast was a continuation of that mission. As a company that supports both professional and family caregivers, we understand that Alzheimer’s doesn’t pause when someone clocks in at work. That’s why we made it a priority to join the conversation about how employers can do better and how caregivers can feel more supported.
Meet the Expert Panel
The event brought together leaders across healthcare, HR, research, and financial planning. The panel included:
- Sarah Walter, Program Administrator, USC ATRI
- Ryan Barnhill, CFP®, President and Wealth Advisor, Barnhill Wealth Management
- Ryan Cottingham, MBA, CPCU, Sr. Director, Claims, GEICO
- Sara Hernandez, Vice President, Asset Recovery & Collections, Mission Fed Credit Union
- Ronald D. Lewis, II, Ph.D., Head of CMC, Neurona Therapeutics
- Trish Bowes, SPHR, HRBP Sector Leader, CGI
Their perspectives reflected the diverse challenges that Alzheimer’s presents across industries, including emotional stress, productivity loss, workplace accommodations, and financial planning. The session was guided by a clear message: understanding Alzheimer’s is a shared responsibility. It’s not just a medical issue – it’s a workforce issue, a family issue, and a leadership issue.
Alzheimer’s Is Changing the Workplace
According to data shared at the event:
- Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care to someone with Alzheimer’s
- Nearly 57% of caregivers are also employed
- Among employed caregivers, many report burnout, absenteeism, or leaving the workforce altogether
This is no longer an isolated issue. As the population ages, an increasing number of employees will be balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. Without clear policies, flexibility, and adequate resources in place, businesses risk high turnover, disengagement, and long-term strain on their workforce.
The Toll of Caregiving at Work
A particularly compelling segment of the presentation featured a graph illustrating the emotional and physical toll that caregiving takes on the workplace. The numbers confirmed what many caregivers already know: balancing care and career isn’t sustainable without support.
Stress, fatigue, and inadequate accommodations can lead to poor health outcomes, reduced work performance, and financial hardship. However, when employers acknowledge the reality of caregiving, the path forward looks different.
The Call for Support and Education
The Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging employers to offer:
- Tailored, high-quality education programs
- Support groups
- Workplace awareness and training for HR and managers
- Flexible policies to support employees providing care
These aren’t luxuries, they’re necessary measures to maintain a healthy, inclusive workforce. For employers looking to take the next step, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a full suite of workplace-focused programming.
A Shared Commitment
For our team at Cheer Home Care, attending events like this reminds us why we do what we do. As we continue to work alongside the Alzheimer’s Association, we’ll keep encouraging caregivers (professional or family) to seek help, rest when needed, and know that they are not alone.
Always Here to Help
The Alzheimer’s Association and Cheer Home Care are proud to stand beside caregivers in every setting – at home, in the office, and in the community. The path may be complex, but no one has to walk it alone.
To access support, resources, or to explore what’s next:
- Visit the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter
- Contact Cheer Home Care
- Need help now? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900
