Everyone at Alzheimer’s San Diego has been affected by the disease in some way. For social worker Sarina Barker, that impact is especially profound; four of her grandparents had Alzheimer’s disease. When she works with families trying to navigate through a dementia diagnosis, it’s not a job — it’s a passion.
Sarina, originally from the Bay Area, has eight years of experience as a social worker. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Master of Social Work. She was inspired to work at Alzheimer’s San Diego after her grandparents were diagnosed.
“Looking back now, had I known then what I know now, things would’ve been so different,” she explains. “I feel like part of my compassion in working with families here is because I’m rewarded by giving them something my family didn’t have.”
Sarina says that too often, families only reach out for help after a crisis. She’d love to see more families come in during the early stages, so they can take advantage of the free resources and programs available at Alzheimer’s San Diego. She stresses that all of the social workers on staff care deeply about everyone they work with.
“If we’re in a meeting and a family walks in, we stop that meeting and go help that family. If we don’t know something, we’ll find someone who does,” she says. “No one should have to go through this disease alone.”
Don’t wait until it’s too late — talk with one of our local social workers by calling 858-492-4400, or make an appointment to meet at our office at Alzheimer’s San Diego, 6632 Convoy Court.
