Alzheimer's and Homelessness
Jose is a 79 year-old Puerto Rican native who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. His sister became his caregiver but when she passed away in 2006 he did not have anyone to care for him. After living on the streets of Puerto Rico, he travelled to New York in search for his younger brother. There he stayed in various shelters but they were unable to locate his family. He was homeless in New York for 5 years before he arrived in Phoenix in 2013. He does not recall how or why he came to Phoenix. He just remembers that he came on a bus. When he arrived at the Human Services Campus, he did not have any documentation and could not remember his birthday nor his social security number. After many months of collaboration with campus partners and outside agencies we were able to prove his identity. Jose now receives Social Security and has health insurance. Most importantly, he is now off the streets. He is living in an assisted living facility that specializes in memory care. He is happy to have a home and says that we are his family.
