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

December 2023 E-Newsletter

#OurConnectionsMatter

MEMORY CAFÉ:

Memory Cafe is a social event for those living with dementia and care partners to come together in a fun and engaging environment, and connect with the Alzheimer Society and each other. Memory café events feature activities, discussion, brain games and more.

Memory Café events are currently hosted in Belleville, Quinte West, Brighton, Madoc, Tyendinaga, Picton, Madoc and Bancroft. To register or find out more please call 613-962-0892.

SUPPORT GROUPS:

Community support groups provide the opportunity for care partners to come together and share and provide peer support. Each event is led by an Alzheimer Society Education and Support Coordinator.

Support groups are currently available in communities such as Belleville, Quinte West, Wellington, Madoc, Stirling, Bancroft, Tweed, Picton, Frankford and more. We also have specialized groups such as a Men’s Care Partner support group, a support group for care partners looking after their parents, evening support groups, virtual support group options and more! Please contact our office to find out more today.

FIRST LINK LEARNING SERIES:

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. Call 613-962-0892 to register for an upcoming session near you.

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.

Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 - 1:30 - 3:30 PM

contact: Ben Wright, ben.wright@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.

Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 - 1:30 - 3:30 PM

contact: Vero Ladd, veronique.ladd@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.

March 11, 18, 25 - 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

contact: Vero Ladd, veronique.ladd@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.

April 10, 17, 24 - 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

contact: Vero Ladd, veronique.ladd@alzheimerhpe.ca

This holiday season, you can help families affected by dementia spend less time managing stress and more time enjoying meaningful time with the people they love.

Lori, a care partner, mother and client of the Alzheimer Society, shared her story with us:

“Being a care provider for someone living with dementia is not easy, especially during this time of the year.

When life took a turn and I found myself caring for my mom while working full-time and raising two teenagers, the Alzheimer Society became my lifeline.

The support of people like you made my family’s journey a little easier and our celebrations more meaningful.

It also helped me realize that nobody experiencing dementia is truly alone. The Alzheimer Society is here to help. They will connect you with other people who understand first-hand what it’s like to deal with dementia to support you and offer guidance.”

This holiday season, support care partners like Lori, and consider a gift to the Alzheimer Society. Your donation will go directly towards helping care partners and people living with dementia plan for the life changes that come with a dementia diagnosis.

Visit our donation page

Do you know a home Personal Support Worker who goes above and beyond the call of duty?

Nominate them for the Meagher Award, a $500 prize given yearly to a Personal Support Worker who has made an extraordinary contribution to in-home dementia care. Just fill out the simple form below to tell us about that important person who makes your world a little easier. We’ll take it from there!

Nominees must:

· Personal Support Worker (PSW) certificate.

· Provide care for someone with dementia in their home in Hastings County, Prince Edward County or Brighton

·Willing to complete dementia-specific training. (We will ask them about that—you don’t have to!) (Note that you cannot nominate yourself.)

Nominations will be accepted until April 19, 2024.

Winner will be announced on May 17, 2024

(Personal Support Worker Day is May 19, 2024)

VIEW THE NOMINATION FORM

Plus - join our Meaghar Award selection committee!

We are seeking individuals who have or are currently supporting someone living with dementia at home to join our selection committee!
Commitment is 10-15 hours spread out over March, April, May.

To find out more, please contact Lisa Young at lisa.young@alzheimerhpe.ca

The Government of Ontario has launched Health811 which is a free, secure and confidential service Ontarians can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to receive health advice from a registered nurse, locate local health services and find trusted health information. Ontarians can call 811

(TTY: 1-866-797-0007), chat online or access resources online at www.ontario.ca/health811