Alzheimer Society of TorontoAlzheimer Society - Connexion
Weekly eNewsletter: March 15 - 21
Hello, Reader!
We are certainly in unprecedented times, but the good news is that we are in this together. We, at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST), want to reassure you that we continue to be here to support you.
For the next few weeks, we will be sending out a weekly newsletter with news and updates from our teams on modified programming, self-care tips, and suggestions for online recreation activities. We want to stay connected with you and this communication, we hope, will help you stay connected to us, too.
Please know that during this time, our phone lines remain open. If you need to reach our counselling staff, or have questions about programs and services, please call 416-322-6560.
In this edition:
Self-Care Tips: Managing Anxiety and Stress
Online Education Tools
Fun Online Activities
Self-Care: Managing Anxiety and Stress
These are stressful and uncertain times. It’s normal to feel anxious and fearful. Below are tips from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America on managing anxiety and stress during COVID-19 isolation.
Tip #1: Reframe Your Perspective
Viewing this isolation as being “trapped” will cause more stress. Try to view this an opportunity to “focus on yourself” by:
Taking the opportunity to achieve personal goals like learning something new, or meeting your home-exercise, creative, cooking, or spiritual/meditation goals.
Taking the opportunity to learn more about yourself through journaling, writing, or self-reflection.
Taking the opportunity to complete long-avoided tasks like cleaning out your closet or reorganizing your cupboards.
Tip #2: Keep A Routine
Try to stick to your daily routine, even in isolation, by:
Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day.
Eating your meals at the same time each day.
Getting dressed as if you were leaving the house.
Adapting your exercise routine to a home-based workout.
Tip #3: Limit Your News Exposure
Try to limit your news exposure by:
Visiting only credible sources, such as the CDC.
Spending only 30 minutes each morning and each night updating yourself.
Tip #4: Keep Your Spaces Organized
A cluttered and messy home can stimulate feelings of claustrophobia, so try to keep it tidy.
Maintain your boundaries by not eating or working in bed.
Tip #5: Start a New Isolation Ritual
Create a special ritual each day that is meaningful to you. For example, go for a walk at 4PM each day or FaceTime a family member every night before bed.
Tip #6: Reach Out If Your Anxiety Becomes Unmanageable
Consider phoning Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 if you are worried about any symptoms you may have (i.e. health anxiety about having COVID-19).
Consider phoning the Toronto Distress Centre at 416-408-4357 if you are in distress or in need of emotional support.
Click here for more information and self-care tips from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Online Education Tools
AlzEducate Platform
Did you know that you can take free dementia courses and webinars online? We have topics like Dementia 101, Caregiver Stress, and Long-Distance Caregiving. To register and access these courses, please click here.
Caregiver Resource Guide
Caregiving is a 24/7 job. The Caregiver Resource Guide addresses many questions you may have about Alzheimer’s and dementia, different stages of the disease, warning signs and myth-busting, as well as treatment options and programs and services at AST. The guide is available in several languages. Click below to access your copy.
Have you ever wanted to visit the Palace of Versailles in France or see the art collection at the Art Institute of Chicago? Now you can do just that! Click here to tour 13 of the world’s museums from the comfort of your own home!
Get Your Body Moving!
Are you up for a 60-minute gentle exercise challenge? Keeping active may be more challenging these days, but it’s not impossible. Click here for a gentle exercise program created by the National Institute of Aging. In the video, specifically created for seniors, Go4Life fitness instructor, Sandy Magrath, leads older adults through a sample workout featuring a warm-up; strength, flexibility, and balance exercises; and a cool down with stretches.
TED Talks
The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on technology, entertainment and design, science, business, global issues, the arts and more here.
People living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are especially vulnerable at this time, if you are able to, please consider supporting the essential services and programs that benefit this community.