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

March 2023 E-Newsletter

Local Programs & Updates

Donations from local businesses and organizations are needed for our Shaken Not Stirred SIlent Auction and Ballot Auction. To contribute please contact trisha.clancy@alzheimerhpe.ca

The First Link Learning Series 2023

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 for Care Partners, Care Essentials, Options for Care, and Care in the Later Stages.

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: May 1, 8, 15, 29 1-3 pm

Contact: lisa.young@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: Apr 4, 11, 18, 25 1- 3 pm

Contact: karen.partridge@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 9:30 am - 11:30 am

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.

New dates announced soon - contact us to be added to our list!

We look forward to being a part of the Eastern Ontario Caregiver Expo! We will be sharing a booth with our Crossroads2Care partner agency Community Care for South Hastings.

April 1, 2023 | 9:00 – 4:00 PM

Host Site: Heroes Landing, Trenton

Free Admission & Lunch For Attendees

This event is a fantastic opportunity where local healthcare organizations, businesses, social service program providers and other caregiver-related entities will gather to promote their products and services. As well as educate the public regarding what is available to assist them and their families with respect to “Caregiving” for people of all ages, all walks of life and under a wide variety of circumstances. The first 80 individuals per lunch time will be provided a ticket, lunch will be held at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.

Pick up your swag bag and enter your name to win a door prize upon entry, prizes will be announced after speaker sessions have ended. Attendance is necessary to claim prize!

To learn more visit:

https://hospicequinte.ca/car egiver-expo/

Check out our current volunteer opportunities and postings on the Volunteer & Information HPE volunteer database!

We are currently looking for:

Activation volunteers: https://bit.ly/3WxLLmd

Shaken Not Stirred volunteers: https://bit.ly/3WB3HfR

Walk for Alzheimer's volunteers: https://bit.ly/3kCqxX7

Music for Me volunteers :https://bit.ly/3kIIDH6

Other Resources and Information

International Women’s Day: Women & Alzheimer’s disease

Women are disproportionately impacted by dementia—those living with dementia and care partners alike. In fact, 72% of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease are women and in general, women are more likely to become the primary care partner to someone living with dementia.

Today - March 8, empower the women in your life who are living with dementia, the women who are caring for someone living with dementia, and women everywhere, by reaching out and letting them know you are there to support them.

Make Healthy Food Choices this Nutrition Month!

This Nutrition Month, we encourage you to make healthy food choices that will not only improve your general health but will benefit your brain! While there are no special food requirements for people living with dementia, incorporating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is extremely beneficial for your body.

Here are a few ways you can follow a healthy diet!

1. Incorporate the colours of the rainbow into your meals by reaching for blue and purple fruits and vegetables that are packed with antioxidants like blackberries, purple cabbage, and plums. Or, go green with broccoli, avocados, and pears that are good for your brain and benefit your bones!

2. Make your healthy meals extra flavourful by adding a variety of herbs, spices, nuts and olives to your recipes. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

3. Develop healthy eating patterns by planning meals in advance. There are many meal planning apps and websites you can utilize to help your process, or simply use a sheet of paper!

For more tips on following a healthy diet this Nutrition Month, please click here.

Let Your Voice be Heard! Check out these opportunities.

SE Research – Dementia Journal

Are you a family caregiver or a person living with dementia in a rural, remote, or isolated community in Canada? Your feedback is needed. You will receive a $50 honorarium in appreciation for your time. Learn more here.

Opportunity for Participation: Dementia Surveillance Project

Are you a person living with dementia or care partner in Canada? Participate in a virtual focus group where your perspective will help shape Canada’s dementia data system and help promote quality of life for those impacted by the disease. Learn more here.

Opportunity for Participation: Free Memory Assessment with the Toronto Memory Program

Early detection is key in the management of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia treatment. Did you know that the Toronto Memory Program offers a test for memory loss at their Toronto office? By getting an assessment, you have the chance to get a baseline understanding of your cognitive functioning. Early detection can ensure you are able to receive better treatment, understand your cognitive issues and live your best life possible with knowledge and understanding. To find out more, you can call Toronto Memory Program at 416-386-9606 or email to book an appointment at memory@memorydisorders.ca

EAPO is excited to host its next Virtual Conference in our Series, focused on "Elder Abuse Interventions: Reducing Harm & Building Connections" on March 22nd, 2023

Join leading Provincial and Regional Experts who will share their expertise and knowledge on best practice intervention models thorugh interactive panel discussions and demonstrations of new resources and on-tools for older adults and service providers to support victims and prevent abuse.

While the series is without cost to participants, we encourage everyone to REGISTER EARLY to secure a spot.

Free Registration

Sunshine Corner

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY MAY 27th, 2023

YOUR LOCAL IG WEALTH MANAGEMENT

WALK FOR ALZHEIMER'S:

Belleville - Zwick's Park
Quinte West/Brighton - Centennial Park
Prince Edward County - Macaulay Heritage Park
Bancroft - Millenium Park
Tweed - Tweed Fairgrounds

www.walkforalzheimers.ca

June Used Book Sale:

June 6, 7, 8, 2023

8:30 am - 4:30 pm at the Bay View Mall

trisha.clancy@alzheimerhpe.ca

The Meagher Award

Does your Personal Support Worker go above and beyond the call of duty? We want to give Hastings-Prince Edwards’ most loved PSW a $500 thank you. All you need to do is fill out the nomination form linked below and send it to us or e-mail the basic information. The $500 Meagher award is given to a Personal Support Worker who has been nominated for making an extraordinary contribution with in-home dementia care.

Nominations will be accepted until April 21, 2023. Winner will be announced on May 19, 2023 (Personal Support Worker Day). See full rules and criteria*.

We hope that you will take a few moments to send the name of that person who makes your world a little easier. We’ll take it from there!

Mail the form below to the office or email the information to sarah.bradshaw@alzheimerhpe.ca

Download the Nomination Form HERE

Thank you, social workers!

This #NationalSocialWorkMonth, the Alzheimer Society thanks the hard work and contributions social workers make in the lives of those living with and impacted by dementia. We recognize the passion and effort that you bring to your work.