This year’s Alzheimer’s Association San Diego Brilliance Gala at the beautiful Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa brought together families, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders for an evening that felt personal to so many in the room.

With ocean views and a theme centered around “Music Meets Memory,” the evening was both uplifting and emotional, a reminder of how closely Alzheimer’s and dementia touch our communities across San Diego County.

At Cheer Home Care & Health Care, this mission is personal. More than 60% of the clients we support are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Many members of our own team have also walked alongside grandparents or loved ones facing memory loss firsthand.

The Power of Music in Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

The gala’s focus on music hit home with our team because we often see how music can reconnect someone to a memory or feeling. Certain songs can shift an atmosphere instantly, bringing calm, joy, or even conversation where there was once silence.

During the evening, attendees were invited to dedicate songs on records passed around the room. Krystal, Cheer’s Director of Patient Services and Care, chose “The Wedding Song (There Is Love)” by Noel Paul Stookey in honor of her grandfather. One moment that reflected just how personal this cause is for so many families.

A Standout Speech From the Brilliance Gala

One of the most moving moments of the night came during a speech honoring a speaker’s late mother, who would have turned 100 years old that day. At the end of his remarks, a birthday cake was brought onto the stage. As he blew out the candles, he dedicated the moment to every person in the audience spending another year without someone they missed dearly because of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Attendees will not forget this quiet and honest time. Events like the Brilliance Gala remind us that awareness matters. Research matters. Support matters.

Cheer’s Commitment to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in San Diego

As in previous years, Cheer proudly sponsored the cocktail bar during the evening. Brooke’s volunteer and Board of Directors service with the Alzheimer’s Association continues to inspire Cheer’s mission and her ongoing commitment to advocacy and education for families affected by cognitive decline.

“Being involved only increases my desire to support the work being done,” Brooke shared. “You see firsthand the progress the Alzheimer’s Association is making and how much funding is going toward groundbreaking research.”

At Cheer, we believe families deserve compassionate, experienced support when navigating dementia and cognitive changes at home.

Through our Memory & Cognitive Care services in San Diego, we provide trusted in-home support for individuals living with:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Lewy Body dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Vascular dementia
• Other memory and cognitive challenges

Our caregivers, nurses, and therapists help create safe, structured, and supportive home environments while giving families peace of mind and loved ones dignity at home.

Moving Toward a Future Without Alzheimer’s

Awareness drives action. And action moves us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s! Every story shared, and every dollar raised, helps fuel research, strengthen support systems, and bring hope to families navigating dementia and Alzheimer’s care in San Diego and beyond. To learn more about Cheer’s Memory & Cognitive Care services or to schedule a consultation with a Care Manager, please visit Cheer Home Care or call the Cheer team today at 858-868-5500.

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• Build a support network with others in similar situations
• Share practical tips and solutions for daily challenges
• Discuss problems and coping strategies
• Express feelings, needs, and concerns
• Learn about community resources

For more information, click here

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What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)?

Jacqueline Silverman is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in aging-related health, social, and financial considerations.

A CSA® is trained to:

• Understand the complexities of aging
• Guide families through care decisions
• Advocate for the well-being and dignity of older adults

This expertise brings a holistic perspective to creating environments that support those living with dementia. Learn more about her work here: https://agingadvisoryservices.com/

Why a Dementia-Sensitive Home Matters

As highlighted during our session, safety for individuals living with dementia requires more than physical adjustments. It involves creating an environment that supports:

• Cognitive functioning
• Emotional well-being
• Independence and dignity

Key Areas to Focus On

1. Physical Environment: Reducing Risk and Improving Accessibility

Simple changes can significantly reduce the risk of injury:

• Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs
• Keep pathways clear and easy to navigate
• Install grab bars in bathrooms
• Improve lighting and contrast throughout the home
• Consider automatic shut-offs for appliances

These adjustments create a safer space while supporting mobility and independence!

2. Cognitive Environment: Supporting Orientation and Routine

Dementia often impacts memory and orientation, so clarity and simplicity are key:

• Use visual cues and signage (e.g., labeling rooms or drawers)
• Simplify layouts and daily routines
• Provide prompts for tasks
• Use memory aids like clocks or whiteboards

These tools help reduce confusion and support confidence in daily living.

3. Emotional Environment: Creating Calm and Comfort

A supportive emotional environment can make a noticeable difference:

• Maintain familiar and calming spaces
• Reduce background noise and overstimulation
• Preserve routines wherever possible
• Include personal items and meaningful décor

These elements help individuals feel grounded, safe, and connected to their identity

Addressing High-Risk Safety Concerns

Certain risks require additional attention in a dementia-sensitive home:

• Secure doors to reduce wandering
• Use motion sensors or alarms when needed
• Install barriers for stairs
• Lock away hazardous items (cleaning supplies, sharp objects)
• Set safe water temperatures to prevent burns

Proactively addressing these concerns helps prevent accidents and provides families with peace of mind. 

A Thoughtful, Personalized Approach

Every individual’s experience with dementia is different. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why care should always be personalized, flexible, and compassionate.

At Cheer Home Care and Cheer Health Care, we see firsthand how small environmental adjustments (combined with human connection) can improve daily life for both clients and their families.

How Cheer Home Care Can Help

Our caregivers are experienced in supporting individuals living with dementia, with a focus on:

• Creating safe, structured daily routines
• Providing companionship and emotional support
• Assisting with activities of daily living
• Helping families implement dementia-sensitive home practices

We are here to support you every step of the way!

Get in Touch

To learn more about how we support dementia care at home, visit: https://cheerhomecare.com/private-in-home-memory-and-cognitive-care-in-san-diego/. Or call our office at (858) 868-5500 – our team is here to help and will connect you with a care manager to talk through the best support for you and your family.

The post Creating a Dementia-Sensitive and Safe Home: Supporting Safety, Dignity, and Daily Living first appeared on Cheer Home Care.

The event, which recognizes and celebrates our local “superheroes” in business and leadership, was held at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla, bringing together professionals from across industries for an afternoon together. Cheer Home Care and Cheer Health Care could not be prouder to be part of a community that intentionally takes the time to recognize women in leadership and the positive ripple effects of their work!

Honoring Excellence in Leadership

Special congratulations go to Kim Becker, President & CEO of San Diego International Airport, who was recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree. Her career stands as a powerful example of what thoughtful, visionary leadership can accomplish over time. Events like this are an opportunity to celebrate women at every stage of their leadership journey, from rising leaders to those whose careers have paved the way for generations to come.

Why Honoring Women in Leadership Matters

As a woman-owned business, Cheer Home Care and Cheer Health Care understand the importance of representation and recognition. Honoring women in leadership is not just about celebration; it is about ensuring the next generation sees what is possible!

Women leaders bring diverse perspectives and heart-centered leadership styles that strengthen organizations and communities. By recognizing these contributions publicly, we help foster workplaces and industries where women are empowered to lead with confidence and authenticity.

We are grateful to the San Diego Business Journal, along with event sponsors PNC, Alaska Airlines, and Kaiser Permanente, for their continued commitment to uplifting and recognizing women in leadership. Their support makes these celebrations possible.

A Panel That Paid It Forward

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the panel discussion titled “Paying it Forward: Inspiring the Next Generation.” The conversation centered on mentorship, leadership responsibility, and the importance of lifting others as you grow.

The panel was moderated by Valerie Attisha, Vice President of Client & Community Relations at PNC Bank, Corporate & Institutional Banking. Her guidance set the tone for an engaging and impactful discussion.

The panelists included:

• J’Keren Sears, Senior Program Manager at Alaska Airlines
• Yameeka Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Kaiser Permanente
• Holly Smithson, Chief Executive Officer of Athena and TEDx Speaker

Brooke Martindale: Leadership Rooted in Purpose

Brooke Martindale’s leadership is rooted in purpose and personal experience. Her journey into aging services began when her grandmother, Verna, suffered a stroke at just 53, exposing Brooke to the emotional, logistical, and financial challenges families face when seeking trustworthy home care. This experience led her to begin her career as a Financial Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor at Merrill Lynch, specializing in senior financial planning. Recognizing that finances were only part of the caregiving picture, Brooke founded her first home care company in 2009 at age 27, building a reputation for exceptional quality, service, and highly qualified caregivers. After selling the company in 2020, she relocated with her family from Boston to San Diego, where she founded Cheer Home Care to meet the growing need for concierge-level aging services. Today, Cheer reflects Brooke’s commitment to dignity, optimism, and excellence – creating a culture where clients, caregivers, and professionals alike are valued and supported!

Grateful to Be Part of This Community

Being part of an event that celebrates women in business and leadership is both humbling and energizing. We are incredibly proud of Brooke Martindale’s nomination and grateful to stand alongside so many inspiring women leaders who continue to shape San Diego for the better!

The post Celebrating Women in Leadership: Honoring Impact and Inspiration at the San Diego Business Journal Women of the Year 2025 first appeared on Cheer Home Care.

While Cheer’s Care Case managers focus on overseeing day-to-day home care services, ensuring caregivers, nurses, and therapists are aligned with each client’s personalized care plan, aging life care professionals take a broader view. They guide families in navigating the broader healthcare landscape, from long-term planning legally and financially for medical conditions to evaluating community resources and care transitions.

At Cheer, we’re proud to have strong, collaborative relationships with many aging life care professionals across San Diego. Our care case managers enjoy working alongside them to ensure clients receive seamless, comprehensive support, combining clinical insight, practical care, and emotional understanding. Together, we share the same goal: helping individuals live safely, independently, and joyfully in their own homes.

Click here to learn more about what an Aging Life Professional does and how they support seniors and families here.

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From a young age, Hannah was fascinated by medicine and inspired to help others. That passion guided her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California Baptist University. Her nursing journey began in public health with the County of San Diego, where she supported the early rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, working with clinics, hospitals, and local health teams to ensure safe and effective distribution. She later gained valuable hospital experience in medical-surgical care at Paradise Valley Hospital before joining Scripps Mercy Hospital in oncology, caring for patients through complex treatments and end-of-life transitions.

At Cheer, Hannah wears two hats, supporting both home care and home health teams. As a Care Case Manager, she helps oversee client cases holistically, coordinating with healthcare partners, ensuring safety and quality, and providing mentorship to field nurses. She’s also involved in onboarding and supporting new nurses, helping them feel confident and aligned with Cheer’s high standards of compassionate care. Her background in oncology and hospice care has given her a perspective on the importance of client and family education, helping fill the knowledge gaps that often exist during difficult times. She’s passionate about empowering San Diego families with the tools and understanding they need to support their loved ones.

Since joining Cheer, Hannah has seen firsthand the power of networking, not only as a professional tool but as a way to improve the resources available to clients. As a natural people person, she thrives on building connections within the local care community and believes that strong relationships create better outcomes for all!

A San Diego native, Hannah enjoys the outdoors, from Pilates and yoga to hiking and coastal walks. She also maintains an indoor plant collection reflecting her nurturing spirit. Looking ahead, she is eager to enhance her leadership skills at Cheer, continue learning from mentors like Michelle, Kelsi, and Barry, and contribute to developing practical materials for clients and families.

We’re so grateful to have Hannah on the team. Welcome to the Cheer family!

The post Welcome, Hannah Johnston, Cheer’s new Care Case Manager! first appeared on Cheer Home Care.