MAY 2026

E-NEWSLETTER

PROGRAMS & NOTICES

Support for all

No matter where you are or where you're at - we're here for you. Support groups are hosted each and every month in communities and formats to fit your needs. Connect with your local First Link Care Navigator and/or Education and Support Coordinator to find the group options that are best for you! Registration required for all support groups.

New Evening Support Option
We want your feedback! Would you be interested in joining us in Belleville for an evening support group for care partners? Second Monday of the month, 6 PM - 8 PM at Calvary Church Belleville. Contact jessica.gagnon@alzheimerhpe.ca or connect with your local ESC/First Link Care Navigator for more information.

LOCAL UPDATES 

Exciting Growth for the In-Home Activation Program

 The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward is proud to announce the expansion of our In-Home Activation Program following the receipt of base funding support from Ontario Health. With this exciting growth, the Society now has two full-time In-Home Activation Program staff serving communities across the region. Hilary Pollock and Pierce Elliott have recently joined the Society and are now providing meaningful in-home support through the program, which offers 1.5 hours of weekly social interaction and engaging in-home activities over a 12-week period.

The program is currently accepting referrals. To learn more about the In-Home Activation Program and whether it may be a good fit for you or your loved one, please contact the Society at 613-962-0892.

ASHPE Adopts Co-Executive Director Model

The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward announces our new leadership team as of April 2026: Alyssa Thorn, and Amelia Huffman as Co-Executive Directors. With nearly 15 years of combined experience at the Society, Alyssa and Amelia are excited to build on the strong foundation already in place while continuing to expand the Society’s reach and impact throughout the community. This new shared leadership structure allows the Co-Executive Directors to collaboratively oversee strategy, operations, and organizational decision-making. By combining their complementary skills, perspectives, and experience, this model promotes collaboration, balanced leadership, and continuity for the future of the Society.We are delighted to share this important update with our clients, partners, and community, and we look forward to this next chapter together.Thank you for your continued support of the Society and the work we do each day.

Alyssa Thorn – Co-Executive Director, Programs

Amelia Huffman – Co-Executive Director, Operations

FREE DEMENTIA EDUCATION 
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, Care Essentials, Options for Care, and Care in the Later Stages.

Care in the Later Stages this June

This series is to help family members and friends of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias understand what to expect in the later stages of the disease. Topics include: understanding the experiences of grief and loss, learning about the later stages, recognizing pain and distress, and providing care that promotes dignity, comfort and quality of life. All attendees must register!

June 3, 10, 17, 2026 from 9:30 am -11:30 am in Belleville. 
6139620892 to register today!

Memory Cafe

By attending a Memory Café, people living with memory loss and those who care about them can come together and socialize in a safe and engaging environment.This is an opportunity to make new friends and connect with others who may be having similar experiences.

The monthly sessions are loosely structured, with a positive focus and offering options of refreshments, information gathering, creativity and more! Contact us today to find out more about your local Memory Cafe events. Registration required to ensure you are contacted regarding any changes to time/date/location!

Minds in Motion

Minds in Motion® is a community-based social program that incorporates physical and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and their care partners. Through the Minds in Motion® program, both the person living with dementia and the care partner can benefit from the following:

• increasing physical activity through moderate intensity group exercise
• establishing new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences
• engaging in fun, social activities

SESSIONS HAPPENING IN A COMMUNITY NEAR YOU!

*subject to change - register for full details and more locations available!

Interested? Reach out to alex.fobert@alzheimerhpe.ca or call 613-962-0892 to be contacted when Minds in Motion is happening to your region next! All attendees must register to receive schedule updates and full details. Summer sessions happening in Picton, Belleville, Trenton, Tudor/Cashel, and more.

$30 per pair of attendees for all 8 weeks of programming (includes materials and refreshments).

To learn more about Minds in Motion:
Visit this Information Page from the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, including a great video!
https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/help-support/programs-services/minds-in-motion 
Contact our office for the next upcoming session date near you by calling 613-962-0892

Upcoming AlzEducate Events

ALZeducate is an online resource for best practice dementia education. Build your knowledge and skills to live well or support people living with dementia. There are dozens of free webinars, education courses and live events.

You can register for your account at alzeducate.ca

May Alzeducate Webinars

June Alzeducate Webinars

PARTNER NEWS

ASHPE is excited to attend this June 5th event in Maynooth!

ASHPE FUNDRAISING:

Stop by and pick up your pledge form at the Caregiver Expo on April 24th, or visit our office

Print your own and fundraise online at www.walkforalzheimers.ca

Did you know?

LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY:

Lived Experience Network South East Ontario

May Monthly Discussion Topic: Transitions in Care

Next Advisory Zoom Meeting Date

Date: Monday, May 25, 2026

Time: 1:00pm -2:30pm (EST)

May’s Lived Experience Network advisory conversation topic comes from our Lived Experience Facilitator. Speaking on behalf of The Lived Experience Network of South East Ontario, Sharon Osvald has been invited to participate in a working group to explore Transitions between Long Term Care and Emergency in Hastings & Prince Edward Counties. Despite the working group being focused on the Hastings Prince Edward area, lived experience input and feedback from all South East regions will be helpful and valuable in shaping this work.

This working group will discuss ways to optimize the experience of shared residents/patients transitioning from Long Term Care to Emergency Room and back. They hope to co-create a process to improve transitions, thereby enhancing the experience for the person and their care partners as well as for those working together in the system.

While not all our advisors have experience with Long Term Care and transitions to Emergency Room, studies show people living with dementia undergo more transitions in care than other populations of older adults and these transitions can lead to adverse events, reduced satisfaction in care, and increased re-hospitalization rates.

Come prepared to share:

1. Any experiences your family member/friend has experienced transitioning from LTC to ER and back and your suggestions for change?
2. Some of your lived experiences, concerns, observations and suggestions for change when people living with dementia seek care from multiple healthcare providers in different care settings.

Join Zoom Meeting Information

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9467547418?omn=87094436359

Meeting ID # 946 754 7418

No password is required.

If you are unable to attend but still wish to contribute, please send your thoughts and suggestions on the topic by email to sosvald@alzking.com by May 26, 2026, and they will be included in the summary. Visit www.livedexperiencenetworkseo.ca for more information.

Self referrals encouraged - no diagnosis required

Check out our online referral form here

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