Alzheimer Society of OntarioAlzheimer Society - Connexion
Weekly eNewsletter: April 20 - 24
Hello, Friend!
We hope this newsletter finds you well. 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 communications@alzon.ca. We would love to hear from you.
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 416-967-5900.
We also invite you to keep checking the online portal to learn about upcoming online events and programs. You will also be able to catch up on any newsletters you may have missed.
Happy reading!
In this edition:
Tips for Care Partners: Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop
Webinar: Long-Distance Caregiving
Online Program: Come Sing with Us!
Zoom Video Tutorials Now Available
Fun Online Activities
Community Friends: Sunshine Centres for Seniors
Tips for Care Partners: Join the Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop
Wondering what exactly Mindfulness & Meditation is? Mindfulness means we are purposefully paying attention in a certain way to be in the present moment without judgement. Mindfulness is about focus, awareness and is a powerful tool we can all use right now. Meditation is our personal practice of focusing the mind to achieve a mentally clear and calm state. Guided meditation is a practice of relaxed concentration where you follow a narrator’s instructions relating to breath and imagery, which are very valuable to our health and wellbeing.
Caring for a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic brings new challenges and by learning to be aware of what is transpiring in the mind & body, one can shift the quality of all experiences. By practicing mindful living, you will become more authentic in all your actions.
Would you like to learn more?
Join us for a new 8-week online program: Mindfulness and Meditation. Learn the 5 Elements of the Mindfulness Self-Care Model, mindfulness grounding techniques and supports, meditation basics and enjoy a guided secular meditation followed by a group discussion.
Sessions will run every Wednesday from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm on the following dates:
This webinar will focus on providing care partners with strategies to providing care while in isolation. It will also highlight important COVID-19 precautions and guidelines along with the implications in caring for someone living with dementia.
Come sing with us! Join Certified Music Therapist, David Macintosh from Miya Music Therapy, every Monday from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm for 8-weeks of Online Music Therapy!
Music therapy supports health and wellbeing through the purposeful use of music and the therapeutic relationship. Sessions will consist of singing, movement to music, breathing, discussion, and reflection. We can’t wait to share the joy of music with you.
With many community organizations, including the Alzheimer Society, transitioning to online programming delivery on Zoom, there are many questions surrounding this increasingly popular digital platform and how to use it.
In partnership with Tech Coaches, we bring you a series of video tutorials and tip sheets on installing and using Zoom on your PC or iPad.
If you’re looking for some technical help, click here to get started.
Fun Online Activities
10 Minute Workout!
Are you looking for a short workout that will give you the energy boost you may need? Check out this series of 10-minute workouts by The Body Coach. Specifically designed for seniors, these videos will take you through quick, but effective, full body workouts.
Andrea Bocelli: Music for Hope Live from Duomo di Milano
This past Easter Sunday (April 12, 2020), Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli gave a solo performance representing a message of love, healing and hope to Italy and the world. Bocelli’s performance moved millions around the world watching. If you missed it, or would like to see it again, you can watch the full concert here.
If you’d like to sing or hum along, you can download the hymn sheet here!
Community Friends: Sunshine Centres for Seniors
In this new section, we’ll be highlighting the incredible work being done by our community partners in this time of COVID-19. We invite you to get to know them and learn about the programs and services they are offering.
Sunshine Centres for Seniors is excited to be providing virtual and dial-in programming five days a week via Zoom. They are offering a party line-style chat, exercises classes, a rotating selection of workshops and activities, and a weekly social group for LGBTQ+ seniors.
Additionally, Sunshine Centres for Seniors has opened a friendly chatline (647-847-9853) for seniors who might be feeling lonely or in need of connection (please note, this is not a crisis line). Their on-staff registered social worker is also available to assist seniors as needed via telephone (647-687-7322). For scheduling and more details, please see visit their website here. All seniors are welcome!
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.
