September 2022 E-Newsletter

DID YOU KNOW? The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward hosts over 200 support groups each and every year, including: 

Caregiver support groups, Caregivers of parents support groups

Men's support group, Women's support group, Evening support groups

Spousal support group, Couples support group; Plus Location specific support groups for areas like Stirling, Frankford, Quinte West, Picton, Wellington, Brighton, Bancroft, Tweed and more

For more information contact Intake Coordinator: Tania Kerik, tania.kerik@alzheimerhpe.ca

Local Programs & Updates

Local Upcoming U-First for Care Partners Courses

September 13 + 20 + 27 1-3PM (Zoom)

U-First!® for Care Partners is an education program for family and friends who are providing direct support to someone experiencing behaviour changes as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment.

This 6 hour education program will help you: 

• Enhance the well-being of care partners and of the person they are supporting who is experiencing behaviour changes

• Reduce responsive behaviours by using the U-First!® framework
• Improve collaboration among all team members through a common knowledge, language and approach to care.

Who Should Attend?

• U-First!® for Care Partners is for family and friends of people experiencing behaviour changes as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment who provide direct support for that person in an unpaid role.

What’s involved in the program?

• Interactive learning approach that has participants reflect on their experiences, engage with new content, practice using a variety of methods including case studies and plan for how they will implement what they have learned.
• Learners receive a Participant Workbook and a U-First!® Wheel to use during the program and keep as useful resources for applying their learning
• Past participation in the Care Essentials course and an understanding of the PIECES model is suggested but not required

Please e-mail Lorraine.ross@alzheimerhpe.ca to register

or call 613-962-0892

The First Link Learning Series 2022

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. Contact us to be notified about upcoming sessions, or to register for a session below by E-mailing tania.kerik@alzheimerhpe.ca or call us at 613-962-0892!

First Steps for Care Partners

This course of the First Link Learning Series provides an introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and is intended for the care partners, family members and friends of individuals with dementia. Topics covered include: types of dementia, changes in the brain, coping strategies, planning for the future, managing risks and community resources.

Next sessions: Oct 3, 17, 24, 31  (10 AM - 12 PM) 

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: Sept 8, 15, 22, 29  (1 PM - 3 PM)

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.

Contact us for next session dates.

New session dates coming soon

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.

Next sessions: Nov 10, 17, 24 (1 PM - 3 PM)

To register for any of these upcoming sessions please contact Tania Kerik by calling 613-962-0892 or by emailing tania.kerik@alzheimehpe.ca

or contact your Education &Support Coordinator!

VOLUNTEER UPDATE

The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward (ASHPE) is looking forward to welcoming back volunteers for select in-person opportunities this fall.



ASHPE continues to limit in-office volunteers and requires Covid-19 safety protocols to be followed to ensure the safety of our vulnerable clients and community. We will be reaching out to our volunteers to discuss upcoming events, volunteer trainings and more. ASHPE has relied on the generosity of local volunteers to support our fundraising events, presentations, administration and so much more over the years. ASHPE Is so grateful to all those who share their time and talents with the Society.

To volunteer with the Society or learn more about how you can help, please contact Operations and Program Manager Sandra Barnes at 613-962-0892, Sandra.barnes@alzheimerhpe.ca

In honour of World Alzheimer’s Month, your monthly gift will be matched for a year*, thanks to the Catherine Booth & Michael Kirk Social Recreation Fund.

Social recreation programs provide opportunities for people living with dementia to be a part of the fabric of their communities while promoting active lifestyles that focus on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.



Will you double your impact and make a lasting difference for thousands of people?

Estate Planning 101: October 5, 2022  1 PM  /  7 PM on ZOOM

During this seminar from the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, you'll learn about Will criteria, Consequences of Dying without a Will, Assets & Liabilities, Beneficiaries, Choosing & Duties of an Executor, Signing, Witnessing, Affidavit of Execution, Probate, Taxes upon death, Powers of Attorney for Personal Care & Property. Upon registration you will receive a Zoom link email to these free events along with our complimentary Super Hero Will Planner & Guide closer to the event date.

Register here: https://bit.ly/pg-registration

Everyone has a need for companionship and physical intimacy, but dementia can change how a person expresses their needs. Allowing access to physical intimacy such as hand holding, cuddling, or kissing should continue to be a source of comfort & support.

Access our resource guide about dementia and sexuality below:

 https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-living-dementia/managing-changes-your-abilities/how-your-intimate-relationships-can

On September 6th, the Alzheimer Society of Canada launched the first in a series of three reports known as The Landmark Study. These reports represent the first significant update on Canada’s dementia landscape and projections on the future since the Rising Tide report was first published in 2010. 

The first report, titled “Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada” includes forecasts on the number of people in Canada expected to be living with dementia over the next three decades. This includes national breakdowns based on gender and type of dementia, as well as forecasts for each province. The study also looks at the many impacts of Canada’s ageing population on care partners, who are often family members of people living with dementia.   

The report outlines steps that governments at all levels, as well as individuals, can take to help reduce the risk of becoming a person living with dementia. It details that delaying the onset of dementia by even one year will offer significant benefits to our healthcare system and the people who serve as care partners. 

Written by Dr. Joshua Armstrong, a researcher at the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the first volume of the report is available now on Alzheimer Society of Canada’s website. Subsequent reports, one that will look at the relationship between ethnicity and dementia, and another that will examine economic costs associated with dementia, will be released later this year. 

To learn more and read the report, visit alzheimer.ca/Landmark-Study 

In July, we asked for you to submit some of your poetry. We were blown away and so moved with the submissions we received. Thank you to everyone who participated. This month, we are featuring a poem written by Joey O'Toole called Love Never Fades:

Call for local award committee members!

Are you a local individual living with memory loss, or a partner in care? Do you want to help ASHPE make a local care providers day a little brighter?

Apply today to join the Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward’s Meagher Awards Selection Committee. Together, we can select a recipient who demonstrates Excellence in Dementia Care! 

To be considered or to learn more, please contact Operations & Program Manager Sandra Barnes at 613-962-0892 /  Sandra.barnes@alzheimerhpe.ca