LA Dementia & Alzheimer's Resource Guide 2023-2024
Sarah OrdoverNov 27th, 2023
It can be confusing to figure out where to turn when you need information, support, and guidance when dealing with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Particularly in a large city like Los Angeles, getting help can often leave you feeling isolated. There are five places I send my Los Angeles area clients, both when they may not yet be ready to move their loved one to a memory care community, and even after, when they may be in need of continuing support for themselves.
1. Alzheimer's Los Angeles
Alzheimer's Los Angeles is my number one referral source in Los Angeles. It's a locally run non-profit that was once part of the Alzheimer's Association but spun off so that it could better serve our very diverse Los Angeles population. They offer over 50 different monthly virtual and in-person support groups catering to specific demographic groups including Spanish-speaking, Mandarin-speaking, Farsi-speaking, groups for African-American Men, Young Adult caregivers, and Spousal support.
Alzheimer’s Los Angeles care counselors are dementia experts who provide free, in-depth, personalized consultations for individuals and families facing decisions and challenges associated with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. They also provide a local helpline with specialists who provide the most up-to-date information, education, and support.
Alzheimer's Los Angeles, Tel: 844.435.7259, 4221 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
2. Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer's Association California Southland Chapter support groups provide caregivers and others affected by the disease the opportunity to exchange information and develop methods and skills to solve problems. They offer in-person support groups in Santa Clarita, the Inland Empire and the San Fernando Valley.
The Alzheimer's Association is best known for its educational and advocacy programs, as well as raising money for research. As the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, the Association is committed to accelerating the global progress of new treatments, preventions and, ultimately, a cure.
Alzheimer's Association Southland, Tel: 800.272.3900
3. Opica Adult Day Program
As the first adult day program and counseling center in Los Angeles, Opica has been serving adults challenged with memory loss and their families in the West Los Angeles area for 42 years.
The OPICA adult day program creates a structured, yet socially engaging, nurturing and fun environment that enables members with memory loss to avoid isolation, to experience an overall improved quality of life, and to maintain dignity, meaning, and a sense of self-worth. Their daily calendar is chock full of activities, everything from ballet to brain games and art. You can see their November 2023 calendar by clicking here. Their building is located in Stoner Recreation Center off of Missouri Avenue in West LA.
Opica Early Stage Memory Loss Program
OPICA’s Brain Train was specifically designed for individuals experiencing early-stage memory loss. A weekly three-hour program, OPICA’s Brain Train is delivered by a professional multi-disciplinary team. Program components are designed to help individuals find healthy ways to cope with their emotions, learn techniques to support memory, enhance creativity and provide opportunities for friendship. OPICA offers a free assessment to determine if the program is appropriate for an interested individual.
Opica, Tel: 310.478.0226, 11759 Missouri Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025
4. ONEgeneration
Based in Van Nuys, ONEgeneration Adult Daycare helps seniors remain at home with their loved ones by providing a safe, supervised haven during the day. Individuals in the program participate in cognitively stimulating activities, socialization, and physical activities to keep them as active and engaged as possible.
ONEgeneration Daycare provides care for adults living with Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, post-stroke disabilities, memory impairment and other long-term illnesses. Participants at ONEgeneration can receive medication management, restroom assistance, physical and occupational therapy, and meals alongside recreational therapy and social worker assistance.
Services are covered by Medi-Cal Managed Care, Regional Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, long-term care insurance and private pay. The Adult Daycare program hours are weekdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
ONEgeneration, Tel: 818.705.2345,17400 Victory Boulevard Van Nuys, CA 91406
5. Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Research and Care at UCLA
At the Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA, your loved one who is suffering from memory problems can be assessed by a physician who specializes in this area. Memory is complex and can be affected by a variety of factors. Depression, the effects of medications, and various medical illnesses are just a few of the things that can have a negative impact on one's ability to recall information. Easton physicians have received specialty training in the assessment of memory and memory disorders and regularly diagnose and treat persons with memory complaints. Patients needing treatment are directed to appropriate specialized resources within the Mary S. Easton or the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program.
Mary S. Easton Center, Tel: 310.794.3665, 710 Westwood Plaza, Room C-224, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Memory Care Communities
There is extensive information on our website about dementia communities and dementia care. For our list of favorite memory care communities in the Los Angeles area, click here: 7 Best Dementia Care Facilities in Los Angeles. Be sure to call Assisted Living Locators at 310-853-8282 to find out more about any of these properties and to analyze whether they would be right for you. There is no charge for our service.
Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles
Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles owner Sarah Ordover is one of LA’s top senior living advisors. Certified in dementia care, Sarah is a trained aging specialist who holds an RCFE assisted living administrator license. Her expert staff thoughtfully guides families through the senior living decision-making process, helping them find the best solution for their loved ones. Call Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles at 310-853-8282 for a no cost consultation. Assisted Living Locators is free to clients.
