Volunteer to Help Your Neighbors
You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference.
At Alzheimer’s San Diego, volunteers come from all walks of life and bring a wide range of interests, experiences, and skills. Whether you have a few hours a month or want to take on a more regular role, there are many ways to get involved and support people living with dementia and their families.
No previous experience with dementia is needed. We provide the training and support you need to feel confident in your volunteer role. Contact us at volunteerinfo@alzsd.org with any questions.
What You Will Gain from Volunteering with Us
- Make a meaningful difference: Help people living with dementia and their families feel supported, connected, and less alone.
- Build connections: Meet other volunteers, staff, clients, and community members.
- Learn new skills: Gain experience in communication, dementia knowledge, community engagement, and more.
- Grow your confidence: Develop skills and experience that can benefit you personally and professionally.
- Find a flexible opportunity: Choose volunteer opportunities that fit your interests, schedule, and comfort level.
“My time with Alzheimer’s San Diego has been such a meaningful and rewarding experience, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.”
Volunteer Positions
ALZ Ally Volunteers
ALZ Ally Volunteers provide friendship and vital support to people with dementia who live alone in the community.
Companion Volunteers
Companion Volunteers spend time with people living with dementia, providing friendship, conversation, and meaningful activities in their homes.
Education Assistants
Education Assistant Volunteers help Alzheimer’s San Diego welcome and support people attending our classes, workshops, conferences, health fairs, and other community events.
Social Activities Assistants
Social Activities Volunteers help create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for people living with dementia and their caregivers at structured activities in the Alzheimer’s San Diego offices.
Support Group Facilitators
Support Group Facilitators create a welcoming, supportive space where caregivers can connect with others who understand what they're going through.
Walk4ALZ Volunteers
Help the 100,000 San Diegans living with dementia and their care partners by volunteering to help make Walk4ALZ a success.
Position Descriptions
ALZ Ally Volunteer
Some volunteers make friendly calls, while others visit clients in their homes, accompany them on outings, or deliver food. You can choose any combination of these volunteer opportunities based on your interests, comfort level, and availability. You may choose to do just one, or participate in multiple ways.
Even a short phone call or friendly visit can help someone feel connected, supported, and less alone. You don’t need to have personal experience with dementia or caregiving to become a volunteer. All volunteers receive dementia training before being matched with a client.
There are several ways to be an ALZ Ally volunteer:
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Minimum three month commitment.
Volunteer: “I enjoyed that the experience was so flexible and that I could schedule visits directly with the client at times that were most convenient for both of us. I also really enjoyed the clients themselves. All of them were so wonderful to spend time with, and I really felt like my visits provided them with much-needed socialization and connection!”
Person living with dementia: “I am so thankful for your organization for providing me with a volunteer who listens. I need emotional connection, social interaction, and just your presence… it heals me.”
Companion Volunteer
Your visits give family caregivers a much-needed break, whether they need time to run errands, attend an appointment, meet a friend, or simply recharge. A few hours of your time can give a family caregiver the opportunity to take a break while helping a person living with dementia stay connected, engaged, and supported in their own home.
You don’t need to have personal experience with dementia or caregiving to become a companion volunteer. All volunteers receive dementia training before being matched with a family.
During and after visits, you might:
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Minimum three month commitment.
Volunteer: “I like the friendships I have built with the people I’ve matched with and their families. I enjoy bringing some good vibes and making them smile!”
Family: “[Volunteer] is amazing! She is such a good communicator, showing up on time and providing such wonderful support to us both. She works and goes to school and somehow still finds time for us! All of the volunteers I have had through this program have been outstanding and I appreciate it so much.”
Education Assistants
You’ll be an important part of making sure classes run smoothly and that attendees have a positive experience. This is a flexible position where you can sign up for classes that you are interested in. No previous experience with dementia or event support is required.
Depending on the class, you might:
Requirements: Weekday availability during the daytime.
Support Group Facilitators
As a facilitator, you’ll guide group conversations, encourage participation, and help create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. You’ll build relationships with group members over time and become a consistent source of support.
As a Support Group Facilitator, you will:
This is a long-term volunteer role. We ask facilitators to commit to at least 2 years. You don’t need to have personal experience with dementia or group facilitation to become a facilitator. Comprehensive training is provided by the Support Group Program Manager.
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Minimum 2 year commitment.
Volunteer: “I receive personal fulfillment knowing someone in the group learned something or left the meeting feeling better.”
Group Attendee: “[Volunteer] does a wonderful job of making us feel we matter and our group is a great comfort to me.”
Walk4ALZ Volunteers
Help the 100,000 San Diegans living with dementia and their care partners by volunteering to help make Walk4ALZ a success. Volunteers can choose from many areas, a few of which are listed. This is a great opportunity for groups, families, and anyone who’s passionate about supporting people living with dementia and their care partners in the San Diego community.
To sign up to be a Walk4ALZ Volunteer, click here. (Separate link from the general form.)
Requirements: One day, annually on the third Saturday of October. Shift times vary.
Walker: “When I actually get to Walk4ALZ on that early October morning, my heart fills with gratitude and joy to be surrounded by so many of my fellow warriors in the battle. I remember my why.”
Social Activities Assistants
Our programs include activities such as music therapy, dementia-friendly exercise classes, gardening, games, and other opportunities to socialize and have fun. As a volunteer, you’ll help set up activities and help participants feel comfortable during them.
You don’t need to be an expert or have experience with dementia. Just bring your enthusiasm, patience, and willingness to connect with others.
Depending on the activity, you might:
Welcome participants and help them get settled
Help with check-in and seating
Participate in activities alongside our participants
Encourage people to join in and try something new
Offer assistance to participants and caregivers when needed
Requirements: Weekday availability during the daytime. Minimum three month commitment.
Volunteer: “I like being able to interact with different age groups that I usually don’t interact with. I enjoy seeing smiles on their faces.Thank you for having me! I feel like this experience is really rewarding and I’m learning a lot.”
Family: “As the caregiver for [client], I love coming here! Everyone is so thoughtful and so sweet to mama. It makes for a lovely respite for me. Thanks for helping me and [client].”