Your weekly update from ASHPE

JUNE 9 - JUNE 16

Hello, Reader!

We hope we hope you have been enjoying our weekly newsletter. For the time being we are switching back to our monthly format, so the next time you hear from us will be July 7th. Take some time to read through the content and implement some of these tricks into your daily life. If you have feedback or suggestions on content you would like to see, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

During this time we are still available for education, support and referrals. You can reach us by email or by calling 613-962-0892.

We also invite you to keep checking and sharing the online portal http://on.alz.to/ConnectionsHastings to learn about upcoming online events and programs. You will also be able to catch up on any newsletters you may have missed.

ASHPE Programming

Did you know?

We are still offering our support groups and memory cafes on the same schedule. All you need is a telephone or internet connection to join!

Our landing page is updated daily to include our schedule as well as other Alzheimer Society events across Ontario that you can join from the comfort of your home. You can visit the landing page by clicking here.

If you are interested in receiving education and support please reach out to us:

Belleville & Area: [email protected]

Centre Hastings: [email protected]

North Hastings: [email protected]

Prince Edward County & Tyendinaga: [email protected]

Quinte West & Brighton: [email protected]

If you are a new client or are looking for general information please contact our

First Link Coordinators:

[email protected]

Want Activities to do at Home?

The Alzheimer Society Hastings - Prince Edward is now offering free in-home activity kits that can be mailed right to your door. Kits include an assortment of printed worksheet activities that are sure to delight and engage your brains! If there anything else you need during these difficult times, please reach out to us.

We now have a second kit ready! Fill out the form below if you are ready for your next package!

Click Here to Order Your Kit

Resources

Belleville's 50+ Centre

Click here to view the newest edition of Belleville's 50+ Centre's Newsletter with updates on their programming.

Webinar: Meaningful Activities

When: Thursday, June 11, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

This workshop will help family care partners develop and participate in meaningful activities with their family member or friend living with dementia. The goal is to provide practical ideas on how to spend quality time together by identifying and drawing upon the person’s remaining strengths. Use your computer, Internet connection and phone to participate in a live presentation.

To register, please visit our online learning site at www.alzeducate.ca.

Online Program: Date Night

When: Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s Date Nights offer clients an opportunity for food, live entertainment, and dancing. While we can’t physically connect during this time of social distancing, we are meeting virtually for weekend brunch!

What’s a Date Night without food? Let’s make it fun! Pick a simple and easy recipe with no more than 5 ingredients that you can cook ahead of time for you and your loved one to enjoy during the event! If cooking isn’t your style, feel free to grab your favourite brunch items or snacks. The Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s Date Night crew will be sharing some of their favourite recipes with you beforehand and doing a live demo during the event.

To join us online on June 27 and to learn more about what you can expect, please click here. Please note space is limited for this event.

Fun Online Activities: Puzzles

Finally, a puzzle that doesn’t take up the dining or coffee table! Puzzles help reinforce existing connections in our brain cells. There are many beautiful themes and images to choose from allowing you to do as many as you like – and you can now find them online.

Click here to get started!

Fun Online Activities: Riddles

Tank's Good News

‘I am taken from a mine, and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost everybody. What am I?’ (See below for the answer).

There are many ways that you can contribute to keeping your grey matter in optimum health! Solving riddles is an entertaining way to engage and exercise your brain and will likely result in a good laugh once solved.

Try out more fun riddles here.

Answer: Pencil Lead

Community Friends: Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation

The global longevity sector has experienced major challenges due to COVID-19. Long-term care residents, hospital staff, and older adults, especially those with underlying health complications, continue to be among those most impacted by the pandemic in Canada and around the world.

Digital healthcare innovators across the country are responding to these challenges by leveraging their solutions to address the immediate needs of seniors and their caregivers, as well as the long-term effects of the virus on senior care. Learn more about these inspiring innovators and their solutions here.

Online First Link Learning Series: First Steps

An introductory series that focuses on understanding & supporting a person living with dementia. This series covers learning about dementia, adapting to changes in the brain, enhancing communication, assessing and managing risk and planning ahead.

Aimed at: Persons living with dementia and caregivers

A four part course offered via Zoom starting June 11th

Email Sharon Brewster to register or learn more.

Online First Link Learning Series: Care Essentials

This series will offer family members and friends caring for persons with dementia problem solving strategies, approaches for communications and available avenues for support, all of which can strengthen their ability to provide care.

Aimed at: Caregivers

A four part course offered via Zoom starting July 9th

Email Sarah Krieger to register or learn more.

Minds in Motion

The first 20 -30 minutes will begin with some Gentle Fitness exercises led by Education and Support Coordinator, Lorraine Ross and for the last hour the group will be engaged in some meaningful recreation activities intended to be both fun and mentally stimulating. Each time we come together for a Minds in Motion there will be a different topic and each session will build on the last.

Email Sharon Osvald or Lorraine Ross to register or learn more.

Weekend Activity Tip: Flower Arranging

Summer is swiftly approaching, so let’s bring a little bit of nature indoors! In this weekend’s activity tip, Jackie will give you some ideas on how to get started with arranging a beautiful bouquet.

Click here to watch the video.

Tips for Care Partners

Reaching out for Help

Making the decision to reach out for support can be difficult for many people, but always know you are worthy of receiving help. As our community continues to navigate the many challenges brought on by COVID-19, we would like to remind you that we continue to be here for you. Our staff is working virtually to support our clients through phone counselling and care navigation, online support groups and social recreational programs, webinars, and other events.

If you are in need of support and would like to speak to someone, please call us at 613 962 0892 or visit our website at www.alzheimer.ca/hpe.

Online Silent Auction in Support of ASHPE!

Click here to place your bid!

Dementia Friendly Community Training

is now Available Online!

Let's talk about Dementia Awareness Training for your organization, service or business.

What do participants gain from the training?

Increased understanding and awareness of dementia
Strategies for how businesses and services can better meet the needs of individuals with memory loss
Increased skills and confidence among staff when interacting with those who have dementia

Get in touch with program coordinator Deborah Hierlihy to learn more

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 613-476-2085

Hi I'm Sarah!

I have to say writing about oneself is a challenging exercise to say the least but here goes.

I am a Queen’s Nursing Graduate and have had a very interesting and varied Nursing career. I have been fortunate to have worked in Long Term Care, Public Health and the Access Centre (now known as the LHIN) and for the last 14 years I have been the Education and Support Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of HPE in the North Hastings area. I love my job. I am so fortunate to have found a career that allows me to be involved in my community. I have the pleasure of working with so many incredible people. I am always humbled by the strength, resilience, courage and kindness that I witness on a daily basis. My clients are my teachers and my inspiration. They encourage me to be the best I can be.

If you have any questions or concerns about Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or 613-332-4614.

My Hobbies

To know me is to understand this quote: In the quiet light of the stable, you hear a muffled snort, a stamp, of a hoof, a friendly nicker. Gentle eyes inquire,” How are you old friend?” and suddenly, all your troubles fade away. (Author unknown)

Here is a photo of my daughter and Lionel

My Favourite Movie

Hands down, To Kill a Mockingbird with Gregory Peck. An oldie but timeless in its message.

What I'm Reading

My favourite author is John Grisham and, if I’m honest, my favourite book is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. When our children were young, this book was instrumental in establishing the tradition of reading together as a family. When we finished one book, we waited with anticipation for the next novel in the series to be release. Those times were precious and are wonderful memories.

My Favourite TV Shows

I have wonderful memories as a child of watching Upstairs Downstairs and All Creatures Great and Small with my father. It was our time together (yes I realize I am dating myself). I loved the English humour (and the lack of it) and the subtle wit in their everyday conversations. You had to pay attention. After the episodes, my father and I would spend time reviewing the episode. My father was such an intelligent and insightful soul. Many years later, I got the chance to relive those days when the series Downton Abbey aired. Although my father is not with us, I imagined the conversations we would have had. He would have loved the series.

My Mood Boosting Recipe

One of the silver- linings in these very stressful times has been the return to family meals. There has been a lot of baking of various kinds of breads and treats and the testing of new recipes. Here is one that we just love. We think it’s best served with hoisin sauce but you be the judge. Click here to view the recipe.