Alzheimer Society of OntarioAlzheimer Society - Connexion
November 2020 - Issue 20
Hello, Friend!
We hope this newsletter finds you well. 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:
November is Make a Will Month
Tips for Care Partners: Fall Prevention
Check-In: Are You Wearing Your Mask Properly?
Lest We Forget this Remembrance Day
Join us for Social with a Purpose: Baking Edition!
Join the Virtual Active Minds Club!
Online Programs & Webinars
November is Make a Will Month
A Will is an extremely important document that protects those you care about, gives you control, and a peace of mind. With the increase of dementia and other brain related diseases, it’s crucial that Canadians complete a valid and up-to-date Will and Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care.
During Make a Will Month, if you haven’t already, we encourage you to take the time to complete your Will and Powers of Attorney. To learn more and to request an estate planner, go to http://alzsuperhero.ca/will-planning/.
Tips for Care Partners: Fall Prevention
It’s National Fall Prevention Month and we want to take this time to highlight important fall prevention tips to remember that will help keep those living with dementia safe, always.
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults and one-third of those who fall will never return home? If you are caring for someone living with dementia, the importance of fall prevention should not be overlooked.
Here are some tips you can keep in mind to help minimize the risks of falling.
Maintain stability by doing gentle exercises that will improve flexibility, balance, and muscle strength.
Make sure areas are well-illuminated as bright lighting makes it easier to spot potential tripping hazards.
Add a pair of non-slip shoes to your wardrobe instead of just wearing socks.
Check-In: Are You Wearing Your Mask Properly?
Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is very important to protect yourself and others around you when physical distancing is hard to maintain and to help limit the spread of COVID-19. We want to ensure that everyone is wearing their masks properly, so to make sure you are, here are some tips to follow to ensure you’re wearing your mask correctly.
Wash your hands before and after handling your mask.
Always handle your mask by the loops or handles.
Make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth with no gaps!
Lest We Forget this Remembrance Day
This Remembrance Day, let us honour all the brave men and women who served our country. On Nobember 11, take a moment to thank all those who fought for our peace and freedom.
You can pay tribute by:
Observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11 wherever you are
Watching the National Remembrance Day Ceremony on Facebook Live on November 11 at 10:45 AM
Sharing your thanks online by using #RemembranceDay
Thank you for your service.
Join us for Social with a Purpose: Baking Edition!
When: Thursday, November 26 at 6:30 PM
It’s time to get decorating!
Join us for part two of our Social with a Purpose: Baking Edition! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn professional decorating skills from Narmatha Jayakumar, owner of BN Sweets N’ Cakery. Narmatha will be leading a session in decorating holiday-themed cupcakes via Zoom. This class is free and open to the public.
Can’t attend but still want to support? Click here to donate. Your donation will help us continue to provide virtual social and recreational programming which helps alleviate the feelings of loneliness and isolation felt by people living with dementia and their care partners.
Questions? Please reach out to Holly Groeneveld, Special Events Coordinator at hgroeneveld@alz.to.
Join the Virtual Active Minds Club!
The Active Minds Club caters to individuals diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia (under the age of 65).
Join a variety of online recreational activities and social simulation, giving an opportunity for care partners to enjoy some much-needed respite. See below for some of the amazing activities that are coming up in the Active Minds Club this November!
Every Monday in November: Music Therapy with Dave, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Every Wednesday in November: Music and History of Songs with Dorothy, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Friday, November 6: Fitness with Toronto Pam Am Sports Centre, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Friday, November 13: Music with James, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Friday, November 20: November Art with Melodie (connect with Chantel at ccost@schcontario.ca to receive art supplies for this season).
And more!
Each program is run online through Zoom. Once registered, you will receive the link to participate.
Click here to register for the virtual Active Minds Club programs!
Online Programs & Webinars
Gentle Fitness NIA (Non-Impact Aerobics) Fitness 6 Week Series
Dates: Tuesday, November 10, 17 & 24 Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Join us for a 1-hour online session of Gentle Non-Impact Aerobics (NIA) Fitness with Jennifer online.
This program uses easy to follow movements to build strength and flexibility while conditioning your body. The sessions are adapted and sensitive to all levels of agility and are suitable for individuals who want the support of being seated throughout the class. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Dates: Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18 and 25 Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Caring for a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic brings new challenges; 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.
Join your instructor, Pamela Rudolph to 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.
Mindfulness means we are paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, to be in the present moment without judgement. It is all about focus and 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.
Art Series: “Drawing What I See”
When: Thursday, November 12, 19 & 26, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
In this ‘Drawing What I See’ online Art Series, participants will explore thematic collections of photographs as a source of inspiration for their individual drawings.
Each week, facilitator Kathleen Downie will provide participants with a set of images (using a presentation slideshow) that we will explore as a group to inspire individual creativity. As participants progress, they will be encouraged to 'go with the flow' to explore and express their response to the shared creative process. Participants are welcome to use available materials at hand such as pencils, pastels, paints, paper, cardboard, string, ribbon, buttons, findings, tape, and glue.
This series is appropriate for learners at all levels and will be rich in collaborative and creative problem solving. Join us for 1-hour online session.
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.
