Life Before Alzheimer’s San Diego
Beth Shoemaker was born and raised in our beautiful city, and spends her time like other San Diegans at the beach, Balboa Park, along with Padres and Wave games. She has previous experience working with families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and looked forward to supporting this population once again. Beth notes that she’s always enjoyed helping people, especially when they’re in complex situations such as dementia that bring along “many needs and feelings.” She joined our team in March of this year, and says “Alzheimer’s San Diego has always had a wonderful reputation for the excellent services they offer to the community, so I was happy for the opportunity to join the team.”
Working with the Community
With a Master’s degree in social work, Beth mentions that her education helps her in many ways as a Clinical Care Coach, namely the interpersonal skills it helped her hone. She has worked in different areas of medical social work, with most of her experience coming through providing support services to family care partners of older adults with chronic health conditions such as different types of dementia, strokes, brain injuries, MS, and more. Considering one of her main responsibilities is talking to and supporting people living with dementia and those around them, her experience has allowed her to settle into the role quickly since she already had an understanding of dementia and local resources. Beth also facilitates a care partner support group, conducts memory screenings, and specializes in helping those who are living alone with dementia – which of whom can utilize our VITALZ program for weekly socializing.
“My hope is to provide a sense of a safe environment for people to share their feelings and situation with me and that I can meet them wherever they are in their journey with Alzheimer’s disease.”
Beth’s Perspective
Beth “finds hope” in the connections and wonderful care partners she’s gotten to know thus far, as well as the “welcoming organization that is clearly filled with so much heart and care.” She enjoys working with the people in this community, who she notes are all loving, resilient, kind, and inspirational. Beth also recommends that people become familiar with the free services available to “be informed early on so you can know where to turn if you hit a bump in the road.”
If you’d like to speak to one of our Clinical Care Coaches like Beth, call us at 858-492-4400. We’re here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). You may also attend any of our FREE education classes, social activities, care partner support groups, and more.
By Braulio Ambriz
RECOMMENDED: Meet Alisa Isumi, our Clinical Services Manager!
Posted on July 18th, 2024
