A large-print contact list can help older adults with memory changes stay connected to family, doctors, pharmacies, and caregivers while supporting independence at home.
For many Latino families in Los Angeles, staying connected is one of the most important ways to care for aging parents and grandparents. Whether it’s calling an adult child, checking in with a grandchild, contacting a healthcare provider, or reaching the local pharmacy, communication helps older adults remain independent and engaged with their community.
Although smartphones can store hundreds of phone numbers, they are not always the easiest tool to use. Finding a familiar contact can become frustrating when the battery is low, the screen is difficult to read, or an older adult is experiencing memory loss or the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. A simple large-print contact list provides an easy, reliable backup. It does not replace a smartphone, emergency services, or a family emergency plan—it simply makes important phone numbers easier to find when they are needed most.
Why Alzheimer’s Matters for Latino Families
Alzheimer’s disease has a disproportionate impact on the Latino community. Today, about 1 in 8 Latinos age 65 and older is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, and older Latinos are approximately 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia than non-Hispanic White older adults. As the Latino population ages, experts project that the number of Latinos living with Alzheimer’s will grow significantly in the coming decades.
For families in Los Angeles, where Latinos make up nearly half of the county’s population, this challenge touches thousands of households. Alzheimer’s affects more than memory—it changes family roles, daily routines, and caregiving responsibilities. Adult children, spouses, grandchildren, and extended family members often become caregivers while balancing work, school, and other commitments.
Research also shows that many Latino families believe memory loss is a normal part of aging, which can delay conversations with a healthcare provider. Recognizing memory changes early allows families to receive an evaluation, plan for the future, and connect with community resources that can improve quality of life.
A Simple Tool That Supports Independence
Memory changes can make everyday tasks more difficult, including remembering phone numbers, searching through long contact lists, or deciding whom to call. A large-print contact list removes many of those barriers by placing the most important contacts in one easy-to-read location.
Rather than trying to include every phone number, ask one practical question:
“Who might this person reasonably need to call during a typical week?”
The answers may include:
Adult children and grandchildren
A trusted neighbor or close friend
A primary care provider or memory specialist
A pharmacy
Transportation services
A faith community contact
Community organizations that support older adults
Every family’s list will be different because every support network is unique.
Create the List Together
The process of creating the contact list is just as valuable as the finished document. Sit down with the older adult and ask them to identify the people they trust most. Write the names and phone numbers together using large, easy-to-read print. Family members can suggest categories, but they should avoid adding contacts or changing relationships without the older adult’s participation whenever possible.
This collaborative approach respects the older adult’s independence while helping the family prepare for future needs. It also creates an opportunity to talk openly about healthy aging, memory changes, and who should be contacted if help is ever needed.
A Small Step That Benefits the Whole Family
A large-print contact list cannot prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but it can make daily life easier for older adults experiencing memory changes. It helps preserve independence, reduces stress when important phone numbers are needed quickly, and gives caregivers confidence that essential contacts are always within reach.
For Latino families in Los Angeles, caring for older relatives is often a shared responsibility rooted in love, respect, and family traditions. Preparing for the future does not mean expecting the worst—it means making everyday life easier and ensuring that parents and grandparents remain connected to the people who matter most.
Sometimes the simplest tools have the greatest impact. A single sheet of paper with trusted names and phone numbers can strengthen communication, support independence, and help families navigate Alzheimer’s and healthy aging together.
