Alzheimer Society of TorontoAlzheimer 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 416-322-6560.
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:
Tips for Care Partners: Fall Prevention
Lest We Forget this Remembrance Day
Join us for our Social with a Purpose: Baking Edition!
Self-Care Tips: Time to Declutter
Join the Virtual Active Minds Club
Improve Your Tech Skills with the Digital Literacy Club!
Caregiver Support Programs Online
Online Programs & Webinars
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.
Lest We Forget this Remembrance Day
This Remembrance Day let us honour all the brave people who served our country. On November 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.
Self-Care Tips: Time to Declutter
(Source: Make Room for What You Love)
November is the perfect time to declutter in preparation for winter hibernation! When we take the time to declutter, it leads to feelings of increased productivity and a chance to focus on the things that bring us joy. Once you start decluttering, there will be no stopping you! Here are some trips and tricks that will help you get started and stay on track.
Get into the right frame of mind
Make your favourite drink and put on some music to get you in the right frame of mind. By doing the things we love, we put ourselves in a prime position to tackle things we would usually avoid.
Start small
Start by organizing your clothes! This is usually the easiest point to begin as there is generally less attachment to clothing. Drawer by drawer, and eventually room by room, you will get there. Remember: it’s not a race. Do what you can when you can.
Declutter in steps
Organize your items into categories. For example, have a keep, sell, donate, or garbage pile. Once the items have been organized, go through once more.
Reward yourself
Decluttering is no easy feat, so reward yourself! It can be as simple as sitting back and enjoying your hard work or treating yourself to your favourite meal. Do what ever works best for you and enjoy, you deserve it!
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 stimulation, 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!
Improve Your Tech Skills with the Digital Literacy Club!
Do you or another care partner in your life want to improve their technology skills?
Alzheimer Society of Toronto is partnering with Tech Coaches to offer the Digital Literacy Club, an online group to help care partners develop their technology skills. Participating in this group will enable care partners to connect more easily with family and medical professionals as well as participate in online social, recreational, and support programs offered by AST. Care partners only need an internet connection, email address, and a device with a camera to participate.
The Digital Literacy Club will be held bi-weekly starting in January 2021. More information is in this video. To register, please click here - spaces are limited!
Caregiver Support Programs Online
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto is now offering its TEACH and CARERS programs online.
Developed by the Reitman Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital, these groups help caregivers develop specific plans and skills to deal with caregiving challenges. TEACH covers topics that caregivers want to know about, like how to find help and plan for the future, and CARERS helps caregivers develop problem-solving and communication skills to use with the person they are caring for.
To access these programs, you will need to complete an online assessment with one of our social workers. Please contact Project Lead, Katie MacLean at 416-985-5752 or kmaclean@alz.to for more information.
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.
Focus on Wellness with The Boomers Club!
Dates: Wednesday, November 4, 18 Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
The Boomers Club focuses on wellness for people with Early Onset Dementias (under age 65) and their care partners. In this online series, we will be creating informal connections among people who are on the same journey while engaging in a variety of recreational activities including art, games, exercise, food, social chats and more. The program is flexible and can be modified based on the needs and interests of the group participants.
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.
