Alzheimer Society of Toronto
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Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Weekly eNewsletter: Issue 14

Connections That Matter

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 write@alz.to. 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 416-322-6560.

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. Tips for Care Partners: In Your Own Words
  2. It’s Seniors’ Month in Ontario!
  3. New Podcast Series: Dementia Dialogue
  4. Webinar: Care Partner Stress and Building Resilience
  5. Online Programs
  6. Fun Activities
  7. Community Friends: Family Service Toronto

Tips for Care Partners: In Your Own Words

We love hearing from you and reading your feedback! This week, a reader sent in a beautiful poem that was written by his care partner. We’re sharing it with you to act as a reminder that you are someone important, too!


Click here for a larger version of this image


It’s Seniors' Month in Ontario!


Seniors Month

In June, we celebrate and bring awareness to the contributions that our senior communities have made across Ontario! This year’s theme is, “Stay safe, stay in touch.” With physical distancing measures in place to keep us all safe, now more than ever, it is important to stay in touch with the older adults in our lives—especially those living with dementia who are already some of the most isolated individuals—and let them know that we are there for them by calling or having a video chat with them.

Learn More

New Podcast Series: Dementia Dialogue


Podcast

Dementia Dialogue began to enable people with dementia and their care/life partners to share experiences and thus enable their peer listeners to understand and gain insight into their own experience and strengthen their adaptive skills.

The series has evolved, and given how COVID-19 has illuminated some serious gaps in our system of care for people with dementia, the podcast has launched a new series that explores the intersection of dementia and human rights. This series explores how a human rights approach leads to stronger values on which we can renew the way we support people living with dementia.

The first podcast series features conversations between David Harvey, dementia activists, an educator, a researcher, national and international experts about what it means to change and adapt to living with dementia.

To learn more, click here.

This podcast series is available on Apple, Spotify, Google and Podbean.


Webinar: Care Partner Stress and Building Resilience


Webinar

When: Tuesday, June 23 - 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

There are many types of coping strategies and this webinar is designed to explore these further through increasing awareness of the importance of self-care and learning about supportive services.

This webinar is geared for family care partners related to a person living with dementia.

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


Online Programs

Art Series


Art

When: Every Thursday until July 16 - from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

In this ‘Painting What I See’ online arts series, participants will explore thematic collections of photographs as a source of inspiration for their individual painting projects.

We provide participants with a set of images (using a PowerPoint slideshow), and together we discuss and analyze the elements of design. As participants progress, they will create small drawings, sketches, and paintings to help collect and share their visual ideas.

This series is appropriate for learners at all levels and will be rich in collaborative and creative problem solving.

To register, click here.

WindReach Farm Online Tour


WindReach

When: Every Monday until August 31 - 10:30 am to 11:00 am

The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region invites you to take a virtual trip to the country and visit WindReach Farm in Ashburn, Ontario!

Happening every Monday until August 31, you will be taken on a guided local tour of WindReach Farm to see the animals on the property, as well as learn about harvesting, horticulture, and plants.

To learn more, and register, click here.

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


Fun Activities

Grow your own herbs indoors no soil needed!


Herbs

Growing your own herbs can be interesting and rewarding, particularly when only water and a container are required!

The growing procedure for all herbs is the same:

  • Simply cut a fresh piece of herb about six or so inches long.
  • Clip off old leaves (cut on angle) leaving only the two youngest sets of leaves at the very top of the plant. This gives the herb the best chance to thrive!
  • Finally, submerge part of the stem in a jar or container with clean water.

We recommend trying chives, rosemary, basil, thyme or oregano (each require 6-8 hours of sunlight daily). Before you know it, you will have fresh herbs ready at your fingertips!

With any excess fresh herbs, they can be either dried out or frozen to be used at a later date.

Snail Mail

Snail Mail

In an age where electronic communication is standard, it’s easy to forget how great it felt when you would go to collect the mail and there was a letter waiting for you (other than a bill)! The beauty in sending and receiving mail is that it is tangible, shows effort and kindness, and sometimes you may even get mail back or spark regular correspondence!

Share some love by sending your family or friends something in the mail. It could simply be an envelope with the words ‘Thinking of You’ or you could get creative and send some photos in a collage or a handmade birthday card!

Here are some more ideas to get you inspired!


Community Friends: Family Service Toronto

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.


Family Service Toronto

Family Service Toronto helps people face a wide variety of life challenges. For 100 years, we have been assisting families and individuals through counselling, community development, advocacy, and public education programs.

Family Service Toronto (FST) has adjusted services to respond to COVID-19. Counselling and group sessions by phone and video will continue as FST supports our communities at this critical time. Their services are available to everyone who lives or works in Toronto. To learn more about the current programs and workshops, including a Seniors Weekly Wellness Group starting June 24, click here.



Donate Now

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.







Copyright © 2020 Alzheimer Society of Toronto, All rights reserved.


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Our mailing address is:
20 Eglinton Ave. W., 16th floor
Toronto, ON M4R 1K8
write@alz.to


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