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:

1. #GivingTuesday Thank You
2. IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is Moving Online!
3. Patient Ombudsman Workshop
4. Online Programs: Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop
5. Fun Online Activities
6. Community Friends: Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities

#GivingTuesday Thank You

We would like to thank everyone who sent an ecard on #GivingTuesday in support of the Alzheimer Society. Every card that was sent made a meaningful impact in the lives of our neighbours. If you would like to send an ecard to someone you care about, there’s still time! Click here to participate.

We would also like to thank our friends at Silverts who stepped up and donated a portion of their day of sale proceeds to help support people living with dementia. It is incredible when businesses support local communities! Thank you!

IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is Moving Online!

Mark your calendars! The first-ever online IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is on Sunday, May 31! While we cannot physically walk together right now, we can still connect virtually and have fun as a group! Do a dance, walk the stairs, jump rope, walk around the block. Challenge friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to join you and let us show the world that our connections matter.

On May 31, we will make a move to strengthen the roots of our community and bring hope to those facing isolation and loneliness. Now is the time to come together in the face physical isolation with kinship. Now more than ever, our connections matter. Please join us and register today.

Patient Ombudsman Workshop

Join us for the Patient Ombudsman online workshop on May 13 from 10:30 to 11:30am. We understand that these are extremely stressful times and it may be helpful for some to learn about COVID-19 related complaints.

Patient Ombudsman understands how frustrating it can be to not feel heard or understood, especially when it comes to your care or the care of a loved one. This session will cover Patient Ombudsman’s role in resolving complaints about hospitals, home care and long-term care, and how Patient Ombudsman can help if a complaint is not within its jurisdiction.

Click here to register.

Online Program:
Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop

Caring for a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic brings new challenges and by learning to be in full awareness of what is transpiring in the mind & body, one can shift the quality of all experiences. By practicing mindful living, you become more authentic in all your actions.

Would you like to learn more? Join us for a new multi-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 run every Wednesday from 2:00 pm 3:00 pm on the following dates:

• May 13
• May 20
• May 27
• June 3

Click here to register.

For more programs, including education webinars, support groups, and recreational activities, coming up in May, please visit the online calendar here.

Fun Online Activities

The Daily Caring Website

(photo courtesy: Daily Caring)

The Internet has been a treasure trove of engaging and unique activities to do at home during COVID-19. The Daily Caring website has published a comprehensive list of fun ways to entertain yourself and your loved ones, while staying safe at home. Games, puzzles, cooking shows, music, crafts, relaxation, exercise all at your fingertips! Click here to get started!

TED Talks: A Series of ‘Warm, Fuzzy Feeling’ Talks

Are you looking for inspirational and uplifting stories celebrating the best of humanity? TED Talks has put together a curated talk series that promise to give you ‘a warm, fuzzy feeling.’ Click below and enjoy and be sure to browse their library https://www.ted.com/talks of talks covering a wide range of subjects.

Watch ‘Warm and Fuzzy’ TED Talks here.

Community Friends: Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities

In this new section, we will 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.

Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) continues our mission to serve the Scarborough community. Their dedicated staff provide access to critical services, including primary care, food bank, meals on wheels, harm reduction, mental health and addiction supports and are connecting with seniors and caregivers by telephone and video. For more information on how to access these services, please call (416)-642-9445 or visit their website 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.