&NA;Older Americans who live alone are an often‐forgotten group, although their numbers are increasing, and they are particularly vulnerable when faced with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). An estimated one‐fifth of individuals with some form of dementia live alone; the challenge facing most communities is how to first identify, and then respond to, this population in a way that preserves their independence and dignity and at the same time helps keep their environment safe. A review of one community's attempt to respond to this challenge is described. Realizing that addressing the needs of live alones transcended the scope of any single agency, the Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter mobilized a diverse group of service providers and other community stakeholders to develop a proactive plan to identify and assist local live alones.