e-Newsletter - January 2021 |
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Step inside the lives of Alicia and her family in Alzheimer Society Awareness Month campaign: Alicia's Story |
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In honour of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society has launched a 4-part short film series that follows Alicia, a beautiful, vibrant mother and grandmother who lives with Alzheimer’s, and her family, as they confront this disease head-on and share their story, struggle, and moments of connection.
Their story helps represent the other 1.1 million Canadians who are currently affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia and reminds us about the importance of support and the power of love.
Throughout the series, viewers step inside the lives of Alicia, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 10 years ago, her daughter and care partner, Judy, and the rest of her family to get a look at how this disease affects Alicia and her family, the challenges and heartbreak they face, as well as the feelings of togetherness and moments of laughter they share.
“I hope by sharing our story, it shows others who are going through similar situations that they are not alone,” says Judy, Alicia’s daughter and care partner. “Sharing and connecting with others is so important. It changes everything.”
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that slowly weakens memory, thinking, skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Currently, there are 25,000 new cases of Alzheimer’s diagnosed in Canada per year and that number is expected to triple by 2050.
As the number of people living with dementia increases, the cost of caregiving provided by family members and friends is expected to balloon to $12 billion by 2040. That is why building connections that matter is at the heart and soul of what we do at Alzheimer Societies across Ontario.
Click here to follow along and watch Alicia and her family’s story this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
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Programs and Services Update |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has required us to change the way we offer our programs and services. Under the current lock-down conditions, our office is closed and all in-person programs and services are again suspended, however we are still here to help you. The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County’s team is able to provide many of our programs and services over the phone and online, and we are still accepting new clients. Individuals may contact our office on their own or can be referred by their family doctor or other community service provider. The extent to which we can offer in-person services will align with the category Simcoe County is placed in as outlined in the province’s COVID-19 framework.
We have introduced some new programs during this time like Musical Memories, Minds in Motion® virtual exercise classes, and in-home activity kits. We are continuing to explore new ways to connect and provide service remotely, and will provide updates through newsletters and our social media platforms.
In our new Programs Guide, you will note we have made tentative plans to offer some in-person education programs and supportive counselling services in early Spring, but this will depend on public health guidance.
To view the January to March 2021 Programs Guide, click here. |
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Introducing the Enhancing Care Program |
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One of the new programs we are pleased to be offering is the Enhancing Care CARERS program. CARERS is an accredited and evidenced-based program developed by the Sinai Health System Reitman Centre that is delivered over the course of eight weeks and targets family care partners of people living with early and mid-stage dementia. To read more about the CARERS program, click here.
If you are interested in participating in the program, please contact Toni Jacobs, Enhancing Care Program Clinician at tjacobs@alzheimersociety.ca
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Free Activity Kits Available |
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The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County received funding from the Canada Emergency Community Support Fund through the United Way Simcoe Muskoka to create and distribute activity kits to our clients. Kits are available for a range of abilities and interests and are meant to help keep people living with dementia engaged during this time of physical distancing.
Below are some examples of activity kits, but we have many more options! All kits also come with an exercise ball and some simple at-home exercise instructions. Click here to discover all activity kits available.
Please note that there may be a delay in kit delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
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LEADS Group for Frontline Care Providers |
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When: Wednesdays, January 13, 20, & 27 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
The Learn-Empower-Appreciate-Discuss-Share (LEADS) Group provides an opportunity for Frontline Care Providers to come together and build on their knowledge of dementia and caregiving related topics.
The group also enables participants to connect with each other to share experiences, challenges and strategies while providing care for people living with dementia.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about dementia and helpful frameworks in providing care for people living with dementia.
- Share perspectives and insights on how to support clients with dementia.
- Opportunity to discuss approaches pertaining to client care and self-care.
- Create a network of team support with other frontline care providers.
- Receive updated information about dementia, programs, and services.
Participants will meet online using Zoom. Registration and a short pre-screening are required to receive the link to participate. Click here to register!
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Webinar: Overview of Young Onset Dementia |
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When: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Enhance your knowledge of young onset dementia with an overview of the disease and the unique challenges faced by the person and their families. You will also learn about the opportunities to support someone who is living with young onset dementia.
To register and see what other webinars are available, please visit our online education portal www.alzeducate.ca.
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Plans are underway for our 2021 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s and SPONSORS are NEEDED!
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Funds raised go directly toward local programs and services that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia, their care partners and families in Simcoe County.
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These valuable funds will allow us to continue offering FREE, safe and effective programs and services to meet the increased needs of people living with and affected by dementia in our community.
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Funds raised will help us manage the delivery of FREE virtual counselling, support groups, education, social recreation programs, and social check-ins. Click here to learn more about our programs.
- COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our fundraising activities and results. We are forecasting a 50-60% decrease in donations and fundraising revenue in the current fiscal year.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $0 - $5000. Please contact Events Coordinator Katherine Breeson at events.simcoe@alzheimersociety.ca for more information about sponsorship and/or the 2021 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
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Meet Board Member Tara Maxwell |
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A Board Member since June 2015, Tara became a volunteer of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County specifically to serve on the Board of Directors. Tara had served on other Boards where she learned many things and gave back to her community. The Alzheimer Society was different for Tara. She didn’t know anyone personally who had or was living with dementia, so she wondered if she had anything to contribute to the organization.
Tara learned that each member of the Board of Directors comes to the role with a different background, career, skill set, and experience with dementia, but all come with a desire to support individuals living with dementia and their care partners. The commitment of each Board member to support the whole family, the empathy that is expressed, and the compassion that each one feels drives the work of the Board and of the Alzheimer Society. Tara has learned many things about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and the people living with dementia. She has also learned that she has a lot to give the Alzheimer Society in terms of her skills and her own compassion and empathy.
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Call for Applications to the Board of Directors |
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The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County is seeking applications from candidates across Simcoe County and its diverse demographic population to fill upcoming end-of-term vacancies on our Board of Directors. We are seeking individuals who are able to exemplify and reinforce our organization’s Values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
Through its Vision, the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County foresees that persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and their care partners, live well and thrive in their community. Toward this vision, our Mission is to improve the quality of life of persons living with dementia, and that of their care partners, through the provision of support services, education, social programs, and research support.
Currently, we are focusing on the upcoming need for individuals who will bring skills and experience in the Health Care field, including Home Care/Long Term Care; Mental Health and Addictions; Health Administration and Policy; Public Health as well as Human Resource Management/Labour Relations; Government, and Government Relations.
Applications in the form of a resume and letter of interest are due by January 31, 2021.
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We hope you had a peaceful and relaxing holiday season even though it was very different for many of us.
The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County is sending a simple note of gratitude to all our donors for supporting our efforts in 2020. It was an extremely challenging year, but you showed your overwhelming generosity and commitment to our important work. Every donation you made played a part in supporting people living with and affected by dementia.
We thank you for your kindness, for your ongoing support, and for being there for us. We can’t do it alone.
Follow us for the latest news, upcoming events, contests and more!
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Getting rid of clutter? Cleaning out closets? It is that time of year. Please consider donating your teacups and saucers to a great cause. The Flowered Cow is making and selling teacup candles with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. If you have teacups and saucers that need a new home, please drop them off at 2101 Horseshoe Valley Road West in Craighurst or call 705-333-3277 to arrange pick up. |
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