Life before Alzheimer’s San Diego
As a former ALZ Companion volunteer since 2018, Sara has been a part of Alzheimer’s San Diego for years. She had volunteered with other organizations, but found a passion in helping people living with dementia. When the Social Activities Coordinator position opened up and she was hired in January 2023, it was a full circle moment. With a psychology degree from SDSU and having recently graduated from an EMT program, she has a unique set of skills that pair perfectly with the positive energy she radiates, which makes her a great fit for the position and organization. Originally from rural Wisconsin, Sara remembers there not being many resources available for her grandfather, who had Alzheimer’s disease, and therefore is grateful to be able to help so many families in San Diego.
Activity Experiences
Sara is in charge of coordinating weekly social activities in the office, Connections Outings around the county, and our BasebALZ program. Her previous experience as an ALZ Companion taught her how to adjust her communication style to better help clients, as well as understanding different perspectives and personalities. As far as the clients themselves, Sara loves getting to know everyone, and says they’re “wonderful and such a joy to speak with… my day is instantly made brighter on days I get to see our clients.”
Witnessing the happiness activities and outings bring clients is what Sara enjoys the most, like seeing them “pet a beautiful American Paint horse at one of our Helen Woodward events.” Another example is watching people dance along with their loved ones during the Valentine’s Day themed Music Centered Wellness activity.
Sara’s Perspective
Sara previously assumed that dementia affected everyone similarly, but over time she realized how people may experience other life changes outside of just the memory aspect, like behavior and attitude. As she’s learned more about dementia, she better understands what she experienced growing up with her grandfather and can distinguish the ways it affected him. Sara appreciates the help she has received from co-workers since she joined, and says she’s “never worked somewhere where every single staff member has so much compassion for those that we help.” She wants to be a “positive light” for the organization’s staff and clients alike. Although she’s aware Alzheimer’s is a difficult journey to live through, she hopes to help people enjoy themselves during activities, as it may be the only time during the week that some people are in a fun group environment.
When Sara isn’t running activities, she’s a ballet teacher for children, and notes that both positions go hand in hand because they’re about coordinating large groups through positive and energetic activities. She also loves visiting different beaches and enjoying her favorite restaurants in Little Italy.
Check out the social activities and outings we offer and meet Sara yourself! And don’t forget about other free services available to our San Diego community.
By Braulio Ambriz
