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:

1. Mindfulness for a New Year
2. LEADS Group for Frontline Care Providers
3. Webinar: Overview of Young Onset Dementia
4. Tips to Stay Warm this Winter!
5. More Online Programs & Webinars
6. We’re Here for You

Mindfulness for a New Year

Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to 2020 and we set our sights on this new year with the hope that it will be a brighter one, we wanted to remind you of the importance of taking some time to stop, breathe, and be in the moment.

Let’s revisit this list of simple, yet effective, mindfulness suggestions of ‘sense’ focused techniques that can be helpful in lowering anxiety which can allow us to be fully present in the moment.

Sight

• Look at a photo that means something to you.
• Find beauty in nature by watching the snow fall.
• Close your eyes and picture a place that makes you feel good.

Smell

• Take joy inhaling the scent of fresh coffee or tea.
• Put on your favourite perfume or cologne.
• Light a scented candle.

Sound

• Immerse yourself in what you can hear. For example, traffic passing or people talking.
• Listen to your favourite music.
• Tune into the sounds of nature like crashing ocean waves, birds singing, or the rainforest.

Touch

• Give yourself a hand massage.
• Lace a blanket or scarf around your shoulders to feel cozy.
• Wear soft clothing.

Taste

• Indulge in your favourite food mindfully and moderately.
• Enjoy a healthy, crunchy snack like carrots, celery, or nuts.
• Sip on a hot beverage.

LEADS Group for Frontline Care Providers

When: Wednesdays, January 13, 20, & 27 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

The Learn-Empower-Appreciate-Discuss-Share (LEADS) Group provides an opportunity for Frontline Care Providers to come together and build on their knowledge of dementia and caregiving related topics.

The group also enables participants to connect with each other to share experiences, challenges and strategies while providing care for people living with dementia.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about dementia and helpful frameworks in providing care for people living with dementia.
• Share perspectives and insights on how to support clients with dementia.
• Opportunity to discuss approaches pertaining to client care and self-care.
• Create a network of team support with other frontline care providers.
• Receive updated information about dementia, programs, and services.

Participants will meet online using Zoom. Registration and a short pre-screening are required to receive the link to participate. Click here to register!

Webinar: Overview of Young Onset Dementia

When: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM

Enhance your knowledge of young onset dementia with an overview of the disease and the unique challenges faced by the person and their families. You will also learn about the opportunities to support someone who is living with young onset dementia.

To register and see what other webinars are available, please visit our online education portal www.alzeducate.ca.

Tips to Stay Warm & Safe this Winter!

Getting outside and being active in the winter is important for everyone, especially during a pandemic, but protecting people living with dementia from the cold and slippery weather is crucial.

1. To avoid any slips or falls on ice and snow, encourage people living with dementia to take smaller steps, slow down, and wear non-skid boots as perception problems may make it difficult for them to see ice on the sidewalk.
2. Cover all exposed skin. Hats and scarves are particularly important.
3. Ensure the house temperature is 68°F/20°C minimum and encourage people living with dementia to wear long johns with socks and slippers around the house as they may not know if they are warm or cold.

For more cold weather tips, head to https://bit.ly/plwd-cw-tips.

More Online Programs & Webinars

Gentle Fitness Non-Impact Aerobics

When: Tuesdays, January 12, 19, & 26, from 10 AM to 11 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.

Click here to register.

Boomers Club

When: January 13 & 27, from 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. Please join our facilitator, Cathy Barrick!

Click here to register.

We’re Here for You

Do you need someone to talk to or information and resources about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias? We're here for you.

The Alzheimer Society of Ontario is always there to support you whether you are a care partner, person living with dementia, or a family member who needs assistance.

Contact us at 1-800-879-4226 today to learn more about our programs, services, and resources that are available to you.

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.