Monthly news & updates from APTS
april | 2020
Upcoming Events
We have postponed our programs until further notice but please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Hannaford Community Bag Program

WE WANTED TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE COMMUNITY BAG PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MARCH BY PURCHASING A REUSABLE COMMUNITY BAG AT THE KENNEBUNK HANNAFORD LOCATION.
FOR EACH BAG PURCHASED,
APTS RECEIVED $1!
WHAT A GREAT PROGRAM AND THANK YOU TO THE LEADERSHIP TEAM AT HANNAFORD FOR SELECTING US AS THE RECIPIENT!
Big Night Out
~2020~

If you thought you had a good time last year, well just WAIT until you see what we have in store for THIS year!!

We are excited to announce that
Big Night Out 2020
will be taking place on
Saturday, October 17th

We are also ecstatic to announce that we have the support of Vinegar Hill who has offered to host our
fun-filled night out!
Stay tuned for further details and more surprises! This year's event is a
DO NOT MISS!

A Message to our APTS FAMILY
We cannot stress enough that the safety and well-being of our APTS Family and those in our community are the most important things that motivate our work every day.

We would like to assure everyone that during these times of uncertainty, the safety of our family and friends will continue to be of utmost importance. If there is ANYTHING that anyone needs during this time, please don't hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to seeing you all soon!
~ A Letter from Sally ~

Dear Readers, 
We, all of us, have had a wild ride these past few weeks. We are facing unprecedented times. Our routines have been upended. Just like nearly everyone else, A Place To Start has closed... but only until this crisis is over . However, despite our doors being closed, we continue our mission of guidance and support. Here at APTS, we believe it’s critical to do our part to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19, which is why we have postponed all programming until further notice but we will remain in contact with our APTS friends and family via weekly emails. We want them to know that we are still here for them.

Social isolation is a daily challenge for dementia caregivers. Adding to that isolation adds incredible stress for that caregiver. For that reason, please remember to reach out by phone, texts or emails to those who are caring for a loved with dementia. A friendly understanding voice can do wonders to lift ones spirit.

I think it has been incredibly heartwarming to see the outpouring of human kindness during this crisis. APTS wishes everyone good health. We cant wait for the day when we can say 'open for business' and gather with our friends and family once again.

With Warm regards,

Sally
We enjoyed another visit from Maine Center for Wildlife on March 9th featuring "Raptors, Reptiles, and Mammals ".
We got a chance to take a close look at these beautiful creatures!
Thank you for sharing!
Would you like to get involved in
The Maine Center for Wildlife?

You can check out their website HERE and take a look at their Donation Wishlist!
"A Letter to my Family"
We want to introduce you to Sandy Winship. Sandy is one of our clients who was happy to share her story with us so she could help others. Sandy wrote a letter to her 2 sons and her husband. It is a powerful letter written with the intention of making sure her family knew her wishes while she was still cognitive enough to share her story.
Thank you Sandy for sharing this with us and for allowing us to take part in your journey!
Did you Know....?
In a time when social distancing is the norm and we rely so heavily on technology to stay connected, there is a way to bypass the larger scale social network platforms. Nextdoor is a private social network company that was launched in the fall of 2011. This is a private social network that connects those within your neighborhood. It has helped so many people in many neighborhoods to stay connected within their small circle and within their neighborhood. Here's a story on how it has helped a woman whose husband has dementia at such a critical time where the act of lending an actual helping hand is not suggested unless it has a glove on it.....

Look on the Sunny Side.....
Stress and loneliness can leave you susceptible to illness. We have all felt run down at some point. Running around making sure everyone else has everything else they need....kids, husbands, employers, aging parents....but we MUST remember to take care of ourselves. Major factors that impact immune health is high stress levels, feeling isolated and sleep deprivation. So key things to remember and some things to do during these uncertain and stressful times:
  • Smile!
  • Take many deep breathes
  • Turn off the news... :)
  • Listen to relaxing music
  • Look through old photos
  • Remember those spring flowers will be blooming soon!
  • Positive emotions buffer stressors...happy thoughts
  • get 7-9 hours of sleep
  • make a gratitude list
  • send a card to family members
We will get through this!!

A PLACE TO START | aplacetostartfordementia.org

(207) 502-7238