January 2023 E-Newsletter

Local Programs & Updates

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month and having the proper support

can change everything


You are not alone. The Alzheimer Society is here as your first link to support. Through our many programs and services across Ontario we will help you take on the unique challenges of dementia that you or your loved one may be facing. Over the course of this month, we will share a beautiful 4-part series, where we visit Alicia and her family in their home to get a view of the grace, dignity, and support each of them shares with Alicia and one another. Support changes everything. Discover more about our services today. alzheimer.ca/FirstLink

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. 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: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 (1 PM - 3PM)

Contact: Karen.Partridge@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: Feb 6, 13, 27 & Mar 6 (1 PM - 3 PM)

Contact: Lisa.young@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. 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.

New session dates coming soon


Local Upcoming U-First for Care Partners Course

March 5th, 13th & 20th* 10 am – 12 pm

*registrants must be available for all 6 hours

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 to:

• 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.

 

Please call 613-962-0892 to register or find our more

Other Resources and Information

One-Time Top-Up

The Government of Canada has introduced a new affordability measure to help lower-income renters who are most affected by the rise of inflation and struggling with the cost of rent. The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit provides eligible applicants with a one-time payment of $500. It is estimated that roughly 1.8 million lower-income renters will be able to benefit from this targeted investment.

 

We are excited to announce that as of December 12, 2022, applications for the new one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit are now open, and you may be eligible to apply!


Learn more here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/child-and-family-benefits/top-up-canada-housing-benefit.html

The Public Health Agency of Canada is pleased to share A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Achieve – 2022 Annual Report which was recently tabled in Parliament.


The 2022 Report to Parliament on Canada’s national dementia strategy provides insight on the progress towards the strategy’s three national objectives: prevent dementia, advance therapies and find a cure, and improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers. The report shares data points for all three objectives in a single chapter. 


It also features an overview of dementia-related investments made by the Public Health Agency of Canada over the last few years along with a map showing where activity is taking place across the country. 


Learn more here

Sunshine Corner

Happy New Year!

To start the new year off right, we're sharing 3 ways to show your brain and body some love in 2023!

💦 Break a sweat: ask your doctor what type of physical activities you can do.

 

🥗 Eat a well-balanced diet: fuel up on foods that are lower in fats and higher in vegetables and fruit.

 

💤 Get enough sleep: when you're feeling tired, make sure to get some rest.


Find more self-care tips here:

https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia/end-life-care/how-do-i-care-myself-my-family#Tips_for_self-care

The Next Used Book Sale:

Feb 7, 8 & 9, 2023 at the Bay View Mall

Tuesday: regular price ($3 soft cover, $4 hard cover)

Wednesday: 1/2 price *some exclusions

Thursday: Bring a bag, fill it for $10!

8:30 am - 4:30 pm each day


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 to our E-Newsletter Sponsors:

The Richmond - Verve Blog Post

ASHPE STAFF TEAM:

Angela Meraw

Executive Director

Angela.Meraw@alzheimerhpe.ca

Ben Wright

Education & Support Coordinator

ben.wright@alzheimerhpe.ca

Lisa Young
Education & Support Coordinator
Jennifer Loner
Public Education Coordinator 

Sarah Bradshaw

Operations & Program Manager

sarah.bradshaw@alzheimerhpe.ca

Tania Kerik
Intake & Administrative Assistant

Lorraine Ross

First Link Care Navigator

Lorraine.Ross@alzheimerhpe.ca

Kim Aide

Education & Support Coordinator

Bancroft

kim.aide@alzheimerhpe.ca


Amelia Huffman
Communications, Grants & IT
Shelley Haggarty
First Link Care Navigator
Karen Partridge
Education & Support Coordinator 

Meagan Brent

Education & Support Coordinator

meagan.brent@alzheimerhpe.ca

Trisha Clancy

Fund Development Coordinator

Trisha.clancy@alzheimerhpe.ca

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check out our online referral form here