A Legacy of Care and Compassion
Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers in San Diego were founded in 1982 by Dr. George G. Glenner and his wife, Joy Glenner. Their mission began with a simple goal — to help families facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other memory loss diseases.
Dr. Glenner was a respected physician and Alzheimer’s researcher at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He became world-famous for discovering the beta-amyloid protein, a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery helped scientists across the globe better understand how the disease affects the brain.
But Dr. Glenner and Joy Glenner wanted to do more than study the disease — they wanted to support families living through it. They saw the exhaustion, worry, and loneliness caregivers faced every day. Their response was simple yet powerful: create a safe and loving place for people with memory loss and their caregivers to find relief, comfort, and understanding.
What Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers Do
The Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers San Diego are nonprofit day care centers designed for adults with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They give families a safe and affordable alternative to full-time care while helping loved ones live with dignity and joy.
Core Services
Adult Day Care:
A safe, structured, and social environment for individuals with memory challenges. Activities include music, art, exercise, and reminiscence therapy.
Family Support:
Counseling and emotional guidance to help caregivers manage stress and find balance.
Case Management:
Personalized care plans tailored to each participant’s medical, emotional, and social needs.
Crisis Intervention:
Immediate help and advice during emergencies.
Education & Workshops:
Classes and community sessions that teach families about Alzheimer’s, caregiving techniques, and available local resources.
Information & Referrals:
Connecting families with doctors, therapists, and support networks in San Diego County.
These services give caregivers peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are safe and engaged while they take time to rest, work, or recharge.
Centers Across San Diego County
Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers operate multiple locations across San Diego County, making their services accessible to more families. Centers are designed to be warm, welcoming, and easy to reach.
Each center focuses on creating a homelike environment where participants are respected, active, and cared for. The staff are trained professionals in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, offering compassion and understanding every step of the way.
Specialized Alzheimer’s Care
At the heart of every Glenner Center is a team dedicated to person-centered care. This means every participant is treated as an individual — not defined by their illness.
Activities are tailored to each person’s abilities and interests, which helps improve mood, memory, and connection. Research shows that such social interaction and stimulation can slow cognitive decline and boost overall well-being.
The Centers’ programs also give caregivers the chance to avoid burnout. By providing daytime care, families can work, run errands, or take needed breaks, reducing emotional and financial stress.
Community Impact in San Diego
Over the past four decades, Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers San Diego have helped thousands of families. Their programs make a significant difference in local communities by:
- Reducing caregiver stress and depression
- Delaying the need for costly residential care
- Improving quality of life for both caregivers and loved ones
- Providing education that raises Alzheimer’s awareness across San Diego
Through outreach and partnerships with local hospitals, health groups, and community organizations, Glenner continues to serve as a lifeline for San Diego families affected by memory loss.
The Vision That Lives On
Even after Dr. George G. Glenner’s passing, his vision lives on. The Centers continue his legacy of science, service, and compassion. Every day, staff members carry forward his belief that families deserve affordable, accessible, and loving care for their aging relatives.
Today, the Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers San Diego remain a trusted name in dementia care — a place where families find hope, understanding, and relief.
Visit Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers
If your family is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or memory loss, help is available.
The Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers San Diego offer programs that make daily life easier, safer, and more fulfilling.
👉 Learn more or find a center near you: glenner.org
Contact Information
Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers – San Diego
Main Office
3686 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Phone: +1 619-543-4704
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://glenner.org/
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers?
Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers in San Diego provide adult day care and family support for people living with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss conditions. Founded in 1982, the centers focus on compassionate care, education, and helping families find balance.
Who founded Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers?
The Centers were founded by Dr. George G. Glenner and his wife, Joy Glenner, in 1982. Dr. Glenner was a UC San Diego School of Medicine researcher who discovered the beta-amyloid protein, a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease.
What services do Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers offer?
They offer adult day care, caregiver support, case management, crisis intervention, education programs, and information referrals. Each service is designed to help both individuals and families live safely and with dignity.
Where are Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers located?
Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers have locations across San Diego County, including Hillcrest, Chula Vista, and Encinitas. The main office is at 3686 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
What makes Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers unique?
They combine scientific research with compassionate care. Founded by an Alzheimer’s expert, the Centers provide affordable, community-based support rooted in understanding and respect for both patients and caregivers.
What is the mission of Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers?
Their mission is to support families affected by memory loss through accessible, affordable care that promotes dignity, education, and community connection across San Diego.
How can I contact Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers?
You can reach them at +1 619-543-4704 or email [email protected]. Visit glenner.org for more details or to find a center near you.
Is Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers a nonprofit?
Yes. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia through compassionate, community-driven care.
