November 2021

Happy Chanukah! A season of love, light and happiness.

AGI's Fall Session is continuing until the end of December. To learn more about current activities for people living with dementia and caregiver programs, visit www.agiteam.org, call AGI at 514-485-7233 or e-mail info@agiteam.org

Support for Caregivers

Recently, CBC Radio's program Let's Go with Sabrina Marandola spoke with AGI about our new Creative Workshop: Understanding Grief through Journaling that began in November. Special thanks to Ethel Udashkin who shared her experiences in caregiving and grief during this segment, as well as AGI social work intern Jasmine Piques, who is leading the workshop. Click here to listen to the interview.

Programs for People Living with Dementia

AGI's Activity Centre resumes in-person programming

We can all agree that it has been too long waiting to see each other in person. All of the team at AGI have been working hard to reopen the Activity Centre. The space has been redone in anticipation of bringing back in-person groups. The reopening of the centre has been filled with excitement. AGI follows all of the government COVID-19 protocols. This has not dampened anyone’s enthusiasm. Both staff and participants have adapted to the “new normal.” Working on Zoom is such an innovative way for us to stay connected and allow our clients to still be a part of the AGI family. The addition of having the in-person groups gives both staff and participants another opportunity to have a place to belong. The social in-person groups are where people can develop a personal rapport and bond with each other. It has been a pleasure for the recreologists and our members to recreate these wonderful group dynamics. Everyone looks forward to more magical moments together at the AGI Activity Centre! AGI’s Activity Centre re-opened on November 1, 2021 after being closed to in-person activities since March 16, 2020. Currently, 3-hour sessions are being offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with programming on Thursdays to begin December 2nd. If you are interested in your loved one participating in the Activity Centre, please call AGI at 514-485-7233 for more information.

Education and Training

AGI Webinar Series: Navigating the Holidays for Caregivers Join the AGI Support Services team to learn about ways you can make the festive season enjoyable for all! Thursday, December 16, 2021 12:00 PM noon Online via Zoom | Free Register online - click here Or by phone at 514-485-7233 Made possible through the generosity of the Lassner Learning Centre and the Lindsay Memorial Foundation.

AGI On-Demand

In the event that you missed our most recent webinar, you can view this and many others at any time on your own schedule via AGI's YouTube Channel. Here are a few suggestions of what are available (click on image to view): 

Exploring Mild Cognitive Impairment and How You Can Keep Your Memory Healthy Guest Speaker: Dr. Elise Levinoff MD, FRCP(C)

The Challenges of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in Dementia Care Guest Speaker: Joan Foster BN

Panel Discussion: Exploring Sundowning Speakers: Professionals from AGI's Support Services Team

Community Outreach

Dawson College Information Fair AGI's Recreation Therapist, Omega Julien, attended the Dawson College fieldwork information fair on Thursday, October 21st. Omega had the opportunity to speak to students in the Community Recreation Leadership Training program, providing them with information about AGI's Activity Centre programs and activities.

McGill School of Social Work AGI Counselor and Art Therapist, Karin Derouaux, was invited to speak to two classes at McGill’s School of Social Work in November. In a graduate seminar on caregiving, Karin’s online presentation focused on the clinical underpinnings used by AGI's Support Services Team when counselling family members who are care partnering with a loved-one who has been diagnosed with dementia. For an undergraduate course on aging, Karin provided students with a better understanding of the needs and experiences of people living with dementia.

Community Fundraisers in support of AGI

Un retour sur la vie simple Geoffrey Webster Geoffrey Webster has created a book highlighting photographs that he took from November 2020 to May 2021, chronicling his response to his father's progression with Alzheimer's and ultimate move into care. Proceeds from Geoffrey's book to benefit AGI. To learn more about Geoffrey's project, click here.

Instagram Artwork Sale Susanne Strater From November 15 to December 15, 2021, Montreal-based artist Susanne Strater will be posting one piece of her artwork each day via her Instagram page that is available for purchase. Susanne will be donating 50% of sale proceeds to AGI. To view Susanne's art or to learn more, click here.

Tidbits to keep you in the loop!

AGI Annual Campaign is Underway Your donation today through AGI's Annual Campaign helps ensure that Montreal families continue to be well supported in a positive and caring way as they live with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Thank you if you have already donated to this year's campaign! Click to donate online here. Or call the AGI Office at 514-485-7233 to give by phone.

Quebec Flu Vaccination Quebec's Flu Vaccination campaign is underway. The flu vaccine is offered free of charge to people who are most at risk of developing serious complications from the flu. To learn more or to schedule your appointment, click here

AGI's Holiday and Tribute Cards Celebrating a birthday or a special anniversary? Offering condolences? Our beautiful selection of cards can help you express your sentiment and support AGI at the same time. A thoughtful, personalized message printed on the Tribute Card will be sent to the recipient on your behalf and a tax receipt will be issued to you. Click here to learn more.

AGI December Office Hours The AGI Office will close for the holidays at 12 PM noon on Friday, December 24th and will remain closed through to Friday December 31, 2021. Please call 211 or 811 should you be in need of assistance or support during this time.   AGI will re-open in the new year on Monday, January 3, 2022 with normal hours: Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM; Friday 9 AM to 4 PM.

Office Hours Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Charitable registration # 896090487RR0001 514-485-7233 | info@agiteam.org | www.agiteam.org Alzheimer Groupe Inc (AGI) is a charitable organization that offers therapeutic programs to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Additionally, AGI provides support services to families and professional care partners, focusing on best practices in dementia care, while sensitizing the community at large through education and awareness.

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