Alzheimer Society of TorontoAlzheimer Society - Connexion
February 2021 - Issue 2
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:
Are you ready for The Quest?!
QuizMaster Trivia
Honouring Black History Month
Introducing the Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s Teleconnect Program
Workshops and Webinars for Caregivers
Tax Season is Upon Us! Are You Prepared?
Research Study: Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise
Online Programs & Workshops
Survey: Be part of the LGBTQ2 Action Plan
Are you ready for The Quest?!
We want you to join The Quest! From February 1 to 27, we have called on heroes like you to join us in supporting over 240,000 people living with dementia across Ontario and the programs and services they rely on.
When you register to become a Hero in The Quest, you accept a 4-week journey where you will explore the 4 pillars of Mind, Body, Spirit, and Care that will strengthen your knowledge of dementia care, teach you how you can support people living with dementia now and in the future, and guide your fundraising initiatives.
Join The Quest today and be a Hero for your community.
QuizMaster Trivia
Question: Do you like Trivia? Answer: OF COURSE YOU DO!
We want you to join us for our first-ever QuizMaster Trivia live this February!
Register now for one or all four of the live events and test your knowledge while having fun individually or with your family! There are great prizes to be won and fun to be had!
This special trivia event is part of The Quest. Virtual fundraising events have become a part of the new normal and we wanted to make sure The Quest was truly a journey you could feel a part of. By joining The Quest, you’ll have access to all sorts of fun activities while fundraising for caregivers and people living with dementia in your community.
What are you waiting for? Join us for one or all four of the live trivia events. You don’t have to be signed up for The Quest to participate…all are welcome! And hey, you might learn more than you bargained for!
Based on information collected from the US & UK, did you know that dementia impacts Black communities at higher rates with some studies showing they are two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?
This Black History Month, we honour the members of the Black, Coloured, and African American communities who may be living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
To learn more about the work we’re doing in regards to race and dementia in Canada, please click here.
Introducing the Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s Teleconnect Program
Are you or someone you know experiencing loneliness during the pandemic?
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) is running a program called Teleconnect. Teleconnect is a social telephone program that is delivered by trained AST volunteers that addresses social isolation for both people living with dementia, as well as care partners.
With your choice of a check-in call or regularly scheduled outreach calls, volunteers will provide practical tips and a listening ear with the goal of building connections with both care partners and people living with dementia in the community.
Volunteers work closely with AST staff to provide more intensive support as needed.
This workshop is for care partners of individuals living with dementia. The focus of the session will be on exploring significant sources of conflict for families dealing with dementia and strategies for assisting families, building on strengths and resilience.
Understanding Behaviors and Supportive Communication
When: Tuesday, February 23, from 10 AM to 12 PM
This workshop provides an overview of behaviours in dementia and communicating in a supportive manner. It will focus on providing participants with the knowledge of how behaviours and communication can change over the course of the disease and ways to supportively communicate with a person living with dementia.
It’s that time of year again—tax season. Whether you love it or hate it, the best thing to do is be prepared—especially if you’re a caregiver living in Ontario! You may even be eligible to receive tax credits.
Not sure what information you’ll need? Check out our blog series on everything a caregiver should know before doing their taxes!
Research Study: Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise
Researchers at the University of Waterloo are looking for people living with dementia and care partners to participate in a research study called the Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) project.
This project will examine the usability and benefits of two handouts, one that summarizes the benefits and recommendations for physical activity and a wallet card.
Anyone who is living with dementia, a care partner, or family member is eligible to this study. You will participate in two meetings over the phone or Internet, review both resources, and then be invited for a follow-up interview. With permission, the interviews will be audio-recorded so all the information shared is with the researchers.
Participants will be given remuneration of $25 for completing this study.
If you have any questions about this study, or would like additional information to assist you in reaching a decision regarding the distribution of a recruitment poster in your organization, please feel free to contact Melissa Koch at m4koch@uwaterloo.ca or Dr. Laura Middleton at laura.middleton@uwaterloo.ca.
Online Programs & Workshops
Gentle Fitness Non-Impact Aerobics
When: Tuesday, February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 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.
When: Wednesday, February 10 & 24 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!
When: Saturdays & Sundays, starting February 13, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Participants will explore ways of picture-making using coloured, painted, and printed papers as their medium. Themes will include images from the natural world, symmetrical designs, mosaics, paper weaving and more.
Each week, instructor Helen McCusker will present a slideshow of images for inspiration, a demonstration of methods and techniques, and reference photos/images as a jumping off point for each project. Participants will work with simple tools: scissors, paper, and glue sticks. Pencils and paint markers will be used for transferring designs and embellishment. Participants will be mailed art supply materials for this course.
Individual creativity is encouraged and supported. This class is appropriate for learners at all levels. This program is in partnership with Neilson Park Creative Centre and funded by the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program.
When: Sundays, starting on February 14, from 1 PM to 3 PM
Bring your needles and yarn and join fellow knitters as they work on their latest creations and share an appreciation for fibre art amongst an inclusive and friendly group!
Facilitator, Dawn Juruc will encourage participants to “show and tell” the work they are completing! Participants are asked to bring their own knitting materials and work on their current knitting creations.
This program is in partnership with Neilson Park Creative Centre and funded by the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program.
When: Mondays & Wednesdays, February 8 until March 24, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
This course is a weekly investigation of one-day topics designed to trigger participants' creativity and imagination!
Each week, instructor Lamis Haggag will encourage students to explore the daily topic while using one or two materials each session to produce multi-layered mixed media artworks. The participants will be provided with reference images with the weekly topics to trigger their visual perception. Participants will be mailed art supply materials for this course.
This program is in partnership with Neilson Park Creative Centre and funded by the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program.
When: Mondays & Thursdays, February 8 until March 25, from 4 PM to 6 PM
Creative Improvisation is an online art series that provides an opportunity for participants to explore a range of tactile art mediums and techniques, producing beautiful, unique artworks.
Each week, facilitator Marjan Verstappen will demonstrate a set of basic techniques and provide some inspirational images upon which we will improvise and add our own individual flourish. Techniques include painting, drawing and sculpture with air dry clay. Participants will be mailed art supply materials for this course.
This series is appropriate for learners at all levels and provides opportunities for each participant to develop their own expressive style. This program is in partnership with Neilson Park Creative Centre and funded by the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program.
When: Mondays & Thursdays, February 8 until March 25, from 4 PM to 6 PM
The Active Minds Club caters to individuals living with Young Onset Dementia (under the age of 65).
Join in a variety of online recreational activities and social simulation, giving an opportunity for caregivers to enjoy some much-needed respite. See below for what is coming up in the Active Minds Club this February!
Each program is run online through Zoom. Once registered, you will receive the link to participate.
MONDAYS February 1, 8 and 22 *Please note there is no programming on Monday, February 15 for Family Day.
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Mindfulness and Meditation
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Music Therapy with Dave
WEDNESDAYS February 3, 10, 17 and 24
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Music and History of Songs with Dorothy
FRIDAYS February 5, 12, 19 and 26
February 5 - 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Valentine’s Day Concert with Emilio
February 12 - 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Music with James
February 19 - 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Art with Melodie *Connect with Chantel at ccosta@schcontario.ca to receive art supplies for this session.
February 26 - 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Fitness with Jennifer
All dates - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Games and Chats with Chantel
Please note that there will be no programming on the following holiday date: *Family Day Monday, February 15
Click here to register for the virtual Active Minds Club program.
Survey: Be part of the LGBTQ2 Action Plan
As a first step towards the first-ever federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan, Minister Bardish Chagger announced the launch of the LGBTQ2 survey. This survey will help the Government of Canada better understand the daily realities and experiences of LGBTQ2 people in Canada in areas such as employment, healthcare, housing and homelessness, and safety.
Who can participate?
Anyone in Canada aged 16 or older who self-identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, Transgender, intersex, queer and/or Two-Spirit are encouraged to complete the survey online, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ2 community, but use different terms or concepts to refer to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression.
The survey is available until February 28, 2021 and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Please click here to participate in the survey.
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.