Your Alzheimer Society E-Newsletter for May 2023 is here!

May 2023 E-Newsletter

Local Programs & Updates

JOIN US FOR THE WALK IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

All walks will take place on Saturday May 27th 2023

with registration at 9:30 am and the Walk from 10 am - 12 pm!

#WhoAreYouWalkingFor #IGWalkForAlz

The First Link Learning Series offers a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, resources and support systems. Throughout the series participants are offered the opportunity to share and connect with others embarking on the dementia journey. The various courses include First Steps, Care Essentials, Options for Care, and Care in the Later Stages.

First Steps For Care Partners and/or People Living with Dementia

This course of the First Link Learning Series provides an introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This program is for care partners and/or persons living with dementia with various group formats available.Topics covered include: types of dementia, changes in the brain, coping strategies, planning for the future, managing risks and community resources.

Next sessions: July 4, 11, 18, 25

Contact: karen.partridge@alzheimerhpe.ca

Care Essentials

This course for family caregivers and care partners offers problem solving strategies related to communication, responsive behaviours, caregiver burnout and expected changes in mid-stage progression of the illness. Next sessions: June 5, 12, 19, 26

Contact: Ben.wright@alzheimerhpe.ca

Options for Care

This course for family caregivers and care partners assists the participants to evaluate their current caregiving needs and explore other available care options, including in-home care, adult day programs and long-term care.

Date: July 10, 17, 24

contact: lisa.young@alzheimerhpe.ca

Care in the Later Stages

This course helps family caregivers and care partners understand what to expect in the later stages of dementia. This module will also explore how participants can provide comfort to the person as well as review the experiences of grief and loss.

Date: August 14, 21, 28

Contact: Ben.wright@alzheimerhpe.ca

Other Resources and Information

May 1-7, 2023 is Mental Health Week here in Canada

Mental health is the state of our psychological and emotional well-being. It encompasses our emotions, feelings of connection, thoughts, and the ability to manage life’s highs and lows. Throughout our lives, we will all experience periods of positive and negative mental health.

Learn more and share your stories at:

https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/

May 5th marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) in Canada, also known as Red Dress Day. May 1st - 7th is National Week for Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. These important campaigns are about building awareness and honouring those who were lost and their families. Learn more: https://www.niwrc.org/

MAY IS HEARING MONTH

Did you know that mild levels of hearing loss can increase the risk of cognitive decline, including dementia?

Though it’s still unclear how exactly it affects cognitive decline, hearing loss can lead to social isolation and loss of independence—a cascade effect that can increase the risk of dementia.

As such, if you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s vital to use hearing aids and avoid exposure to loud sound!

This is not medical advice:

Be sure to contact your health care provider or hearing specialist!

https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/how-can-i-prevent-dementia/risk-factors-dementia

Sunshine Corner

https://www.mybancroftnow.com/56648/news/alzheimer-society-opens-new-bancroft-office/

New Dementia Friendly Communities Partnerships

There are an estimated 5000 people in the Hastings-Prince Edward region living with dementia. The Alzheimer Society of Hastings – Prince Edward offers programming in this area to help people living with dementia and their care partners.The Society also offers Dementia Friendly Training to the community. This year one of the focuses is on the communities of faith in our area. The aim of this program is to help communities of faith become Dementia Friendly in this next year by offering free training to leaders and congregations. This training will help people understand dementia, how to be supportive and inclusive so that people living with dementia, who are members of the faith community can live a healthy active lifestyle and remain engaged members. The training for leaders helps identify key ways to make a community of faith dementia friendly by looking at the physical environment as well as understanding how to communicate and care for those living with dementia and the care partners.

“Communities of faith can be the hub of the community. For people living with dementia, their faith and their traditions that come with that faith, are the things they hold on to for the longest. It is a place that remains familiar and safe to them through their journey with dementia. It can also be the place the care person can also find support and calm during their journey as care partner. “stated Jennifer Loner, Public Education Coordinator.

Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Bloomfield Ontario is the first church in PEC to become designated as "Dementia Friendly" by having over 75% of their team trained. Pictured here is their leadership receiving their certificate and decal to put on door to let the community know they have received dementia friendly training. Calvary Community Church in Belleville is the first church in Belleville. Pictured is Pastor Rob Cochrane and board member. The presentations are free to communities of faith (and any group/organization or business) and can be tailored to your organization/group needs. They can be done on zoom or in person. For more information or to set up a time for a presentation please email me at jennifer.loner@alzheimerhpe.ca or call 613-476-2085 or 613-962-0892. Together we can help ensure that Hastings and Prince Edward are Dementia Friendly Communities.