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 information@alzheimerdurham.com. 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 905-576-2567 or 1-888-301-1106.
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:
Activity Boxes — Fun Education Engagement
Upcoming Local Programs
Tips for Care Partners: In Your Own Words
It’s Seniors’ Month in Ontario!
New Podcast Series: Dementia Dialogue
Webinar: Care Partner Stress and Building Resilience
Online Programs
Fun Activities
Activity Boxes — Fun Education Engagement
Staying active and engaged while physically distancing can be
hard. That’s why the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is excited to bring activity boxes to front doors across Durham.
Activity boxes may include (but are not limited to):
Printed games
Art supplies
Small exercise equipment
Deck of cards
Food guide and recipes
Information/resources
This program is for persons living with dementia and/or care partners. *Formal diagnosis not required.* Must reside within Durham Region. To obtain an activity box, please contact our Intake Coordinator at 905-576-2567 ext. 5233 or 1-888-301-1106 or email intake@alzheimerdurham.com.
If you are a health-care provider, you can refer your clients through our First Link referral program. Under “Additional Notes,” please comment “Activity Box.”
Depending on demand there could be a wait of up to two weeks. Quantities are limited.
Upcoming Local Programs
Check out some of our upcoming local programs. All events can be found in our Program Guide or and you can register at www.asdr.eventbrite.ca.
WindReach Farm Tour/Chat Mondays 10:30 - 11 a.m.
Minds in Motion Mondays 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
Weekly Online Care Partner Social Wednesdays 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Next Steps Family & Friends: Understanding Communication & Behaviour Change - June 24th 6:30 8 p.m.
Next Steps Family & Friends: Managing Caregiver Stress - June 24th 10 - 11:30 a.m. | July 15th 6:30 8 p.m.
La Sante du Cerveau: 15 juin 10h30 à 12h
Parlons à Coeur Overt - Groupe Sociale: 19 juin, 17 juillet 10h30 à 12h | 26 juin, 31 juillet 13h30 à 15h
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!
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.
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.
This podcast series is available on Apple, Spotify, Google and Podbean.
Webinar: Care Partner Stress and Building Resilience
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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