Free ‘ALZ Ally’ Program from Alzheimer’s San Diego Provides Safety Net to ‘Solo Agers’

In San Diego, an estimated 100,000 residents live with dementia or are experiencing a form of memory loss – and approximately 25% of these individuals, or 25,000, are aging with dementia while residing on their own. They are at a higher risk of injury or harm due to their memory loss, and Alzheimer’s San Diego’s ALZ Ally program has become a lifeline to many of the region’s “solo agers,” covering gaps to ensure those who live alone stay connected, engaged, and don’t fall through the cracks. The program is seeing great success and needs more community volunteers and support to meet the needs of a growing population affected by the government shutdown and financial cuts to assistance programs. All programs and services by Alzheimer’s San Diego to the community are free.

“The ALZ Ally program provides in-home support and short-term case management for people living alone with dementia, including guidance on strengthening support networks and implementing safety measures to prevent crises,” says Kristen Romea, LCSW, Director of Supportive Services at Alzheimer’s San Diego. “We provide friendly visits and social check-ins, and assist with three to five days' worth of groceries from local food banks to help alleviate food insecurity.”

At the same time, the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens critical food assistance programs like SNAP and EBT, leaving millions of food-insecure individuals increasingly vulnerable. Many of Alzheimer’s San Diego’s ALZ Ally clients are food insecure and rely on food deliveries because they are homebound and unable to access grocery stores or food banks. Currently, about 35% of clients receive food through the ALZ Ally program through a partnership between Alzheimer’s San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank.

Solo agers can often go without company for days, weeks, and even months. Many have children who live away or may be too busy with work to check in on their family members’ well-being. This is why the ALZ Ally program’s visits and social check-ins are vital for keeping solo agers connected and helping them feel they’re not alone.

Thanks to the ongoing support from the federal U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL)* grant and contributions from Alzheimer’s San Diego’s donors, ALZ Ally’s expanded services for people living alone with dementia can now include:

• Weekly deliveries of 3-5 days' worth of food from the San Diego Food Bank
• Free independence items such as shower chairs and sensor lighting
• Medical ID jewelry to mitigate wandering risks
• Friendly visits and social check-in calls
• Case management and advocacy support

The only eligibility requirements for the ALZ Ally program are that someone has memory concerns and lives independently in a private residence. Clients in the program can also participate in other Alzheimer’s San Diego programs, including social activities and memory screenings, as well as caregiver education, all completely free of charge.

Due to the way dementia unravels, most solo agers may not even be aware of their memory loss or may neglect seeking a diagnosis because they are unable to recognize the changes happening with their cognition and don’t realize how unsafe their living situation has become. This is why Alzheimer’s San Diego encourages the community to check in on their loved ones, neighbors, and anyone they regularly interact with who may be experiencing memory loss.

Providing a safety net for ‘solo agers’ during the holidays and beyond
The holidays can often amplify solo agers’ risk for self-injury, and they could be more prone to disorientation or anxiety. Companionship during the holidays is key as it not only protects solo agers’ well-being but also nurtures emotional bonds, promoting dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging during a time that should be filled with warmth and care. The ALZ Ally program launched in August 2024 and assisted solo agers during the holidays and throughout the year, ensuring they were connected to resources and support while maintaining independence. As the year has progressed, Alzheimer’s San Diego has assisted nearly 80 solo agers throughout San Diego County. The benefits have been exponential.

In its first year, Alzheimer’s San Diego’s ALZ Ally program has helped reduce loneliness and provide emotional support through regular volunteer visits, calls, and social connections, while enhancing safety by connecting clients with resources, providing home safety items, and ensuring timely medical assistance. The program also addresses food insecurity by delivering fresh, ready-to-eat, and easy-to-prepare meals to clients who cannot cook or can only manage limited food prep. Volunteers select items that require minimal preparation, are physically manageable, and accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and personal preferences, helping clients maintain proper nutrition and independence.

“The success of the ALZ Ally program shows just how much a simple connection can matter for people living with dementia,” says Romea. “Many of their needs are unseen, and without consistent support, they can become isolated and vulnerable. Through this program, ALZ Ally volunteers provide companionship, safety, and essential services that honor their independence and dignity. While the program continues to grow, there is still a great need for more volunteers to help reach even more seniors in need of this companionship, care, and connection.”

Becoming an ambassador: volunteer training and support at no cost to you
As the organization approaches its 10th anniversary, Alzheimer’s San Diego seeks to expand its reach in the community. The ALZ Ally program builds on former Alzheimer’s San Diego programs, offering additional services that cater to the unique and deep needs of the solo-ager population; however, more volunteers are still needed.

Volunteers are the heart of Alzheimer’s San Diego and essential to the success of the ALZ Ally program. They provide consistent, compassionate support to people living with dementia and their caregivers, helping ensure that clients receive personalized assistance, companionship, and connections to local resources. While there are other Alzheimer’s organizations, Alzheimer’s San Diego stands out for its unique combination of deep local knowledge, direct support for those impacted by dementia, and training and education for the wider community, all made possible by the dedication of its volunteers.

The ALZ Ally program focuses on Alzheimer's San Diego resources to provide comprehensive support for some of the most vulnerable elderly adults in the community. With help from community members willing to step up and serve as that line of support, the organization’s reach can continue to expand. Whether you live in North County, Downtown San Diego, South Bay, or anywhere in the San Diego region, Alzheimer’s San Diego can help. The nonprofit also has a team of professionals and volunteers who offer help in Spanish.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Alzheimer’s San Diego, or if you or someone you know is experiencing any form of memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, and lives alone, contact Alzheimer’s San Diego at (858) 492-4400, by email 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.