Elder Care & Senior Dignity
My mother lived with Alzheimer’s for about ten years. For two and a half years, I was her primary caregiver. That experience changed how I think about care. Dignity lives in everyday details: how we listen, make room for a person’s preferences, adapt routines as abilities change, and recognize the person beyond a diagnosis.
Why I’m sharing this
Here, I’ll share reflections from our family’s experience, lessons from caregiving, and practical resources for families navigating dementia care in California. I hope these stories make room for honest conversations and help people find useful next steps.
California caregiver resources
Contra Costa County Council on Aging (925) 655-0773 and acoa@ehsd.cccounty.us; the referral helpline is (925) 229-8434 or (800) 510-2020.
California Caregiver Resource Centers — Eleven regional centers provide services across all 58 counties. Support may include care planning, respite, counseling, support groups, education, and referrals.
Find services in your county — Locate your local Area Agency on Aging and other community services. California’s Aging and Adult Information Line is 800-510-2020.
Living at home and need help? — Learn about in-home support and California’s In-Home Supportive Services program.
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline — Call 800-272-3900 for information, emotional support, and referrals.
Monthly reflections
I’m developing a monthly series about caregiving, memory loss, and senior dignity. I’ll add links here as each essay is published on LinkedIn.
This page shares personal experience and general resources, not medical advice. Please consult a qualified health professional about individual care or treatment decisions, and confirm current program details directly with the relevant agency.