Our Connections Matter
Alzheimer Society of Toronto

March 2021 - Issue 3

Connections That Matter

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:

  1. Thank you for joining us on The Quest!
  2. Tips to Make Healthy Food Choices this Nutrition Month
  3. Online Support Groups & Workshops for Care Partners
  4. Empower Women Impacted by Dementia this International Women’s Day
  5. Online Social Recreation Programs
  6. Celebrate Brain Awareness Week!
  7. We’re Here for You

Thank you for joining us on The Quest!


The Quest

Over these last 4 weeks, people from across Ontario have embraced their heroic duty by fundraising and completing a variety of Quest activities to show their support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. By completing The Quest, they have made sure that those impacted by dementia will have access to more solutions, more funds, and more supports.

We thank everyone for their contributions and for successfully completing The Quest. You truly are a Hero.


Tips to Make Healthy Food Choices this Nutrition Month

March is Nutrition Month, and we want you to boost your brain by making healthy food choices that will not only improve your general health but will benefit your brain! While there are no special food requirements for people living with dementia, incorporating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is extremely beneficial for your body. Here are a few ways you can follow a healthy diet!

  1. Incorporate the colours of the rainbow into your meals by reaching for blue and purple fruits and vegetables that are packed with antioxidants like blackberries, purple cabbage, and plums, or go green with fruits and veggies like broccoli, avocados, and pears that are good for your brain and benefit your bones!
  2. Make your healthy meals extra flavourful by adding a variety of herbs, spices, nuts, and olives to your recipes. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
  3. Develop healthy eating patterns by planning meals in advance. There are many meal planning apps and websites you can utilize to help your process, or simply use a sheet of paper!

For more tips on following a healthy diet this Nutrition Month, please click here.


Online Support Groups & Workshops for Care Partners

Drop-In General Caregiver Support Group

Support Group

When: Every Tuesday, from 1 PM to 2 PM

We know that during the COVID-19 pandemic caregivers are experiencing both ongoing and new challenges. This drop-in virtual support group provides an opportunity for unpaid care partners of individuals living with dementia to come together via telephone or video chat to support each other through the caregiving experience.

Register here.


Brain Health Webinar

When: Thursday, March 11, from 12 PM to 1 PM

Learn about the risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia and strategies to improve or maintain the health of the brain.

Register here.


Finding Joy and Humour in Dementia Care

When: Thursday, March 18, from 5 PM to 7 PM

This educational workshop is for care partners of individuals living with dementia with a focus on looking at the lighter side of caregiving. You will explore looking and living beyond the diagnosis, create opportunities for joy and look at the lighter side of caregiving, evaluate the benefits of humour and having a positive outlook, and assess the strategies and approaches for incorporating joy and humour into caregiving.

Register here.


Empower Women Impacted by Dementia this International Women’s Day

Women are disproportionately impacted by dementia—those living with dementia and care partners alike. In fact, 72% of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease are women and in general, women are more likely to become the primary care partner to someone living with dementia.

On March 8, empower the women in your life who are living with dementia, the women who are caring for someone living with dementia, and women every where, by reaching out and letting them know you are there for them.


Online Social Recreation Programs

Active Minds Club

Active Minds Club

When: Every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday!

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 March!

Each program is run online through Zoom. Once registered, you will receive the link to participate.

This program is in partnership with Neilson Park Creative Centre and funded by the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program.

MONDAYS - March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

MORNINGS

  • 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM - Mindfulness and Meditation

AFTERNOONS

  • 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Music Therapy with Dave
  • WEDNESDAYS - March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

  • 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Music and History of Songs with Dorothy
  • FRIDAYS - March 5, 12, 19, and 26

    MORNING

  • March 5, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM - Yoga and Pilates with Toronto Pan Am Centre
  • March 12, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM - Art with Melodie *Connect with Chantel at ccosta@schcontario.ca to receive art supplies for this session.
  • March 19, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM - Music with James
  • March 26, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM - Zumba with Toronto Pan Am Centre
  • AFTERNOONS

  • 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Games and Chats with Chantel
  • Click here to register for the dates of your choice for participation in the virtual Active Minds Club.


    Knitting and Friendship

    Knitting

    When: SUNDAYS - March 7, 14, 21, and 28 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.

    Click here to register.


    Dancing with Parkinson’s

    Dancing

    When: WEDNESDAYS - March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5 from 1 PM to 2 PM

    In collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP) hosts specifically curated dance classes for people living with dementia, care partners and families.

    This is an engaging, enjoyable, and safe weekly dance session on Zoom that is inclusive, accessible, and beneficial physically, cognitively and emotionally for all participants.

    These classes will be brought to life with concepts of imagery, storytelling, improvisation, mirroring, and repetition with familiar and enjoyable music selections. All classes will be unique and different from one another, but will hold the themes of togetherness, community, and connection at the helm.

    All levels of mobility and ability are welcome, and no dance experience is required to take part. Dance with us to get moving, stay connected and engaged while making new friends along the way!

    Register here.


    Boomers Club

    boomers club

    When: WEDNESDAYS - March 10 and 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!

    Register here.


    Gentle Fitness Non-Impact Aerobics

    Gentle Fitness

    When: TUESDAYS - March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 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.

    Register here.


    Celebrate Brain Awareness Week!

    From March 15-21, celebrate Brain Awareness Week by keeping your brain healthy and active! The brain is one of your most vital organs and just like the rest of your body, it needs lots of care. That’s why we’ve put together some ways you can keep your brain healthy:

    1. Challenge your brain by trying something new, completing crossword puzzles, pursuing new hobbies like knitting, or changing the way you do a task, like brushing your hair with your less dominant hand.
    2. Stay connected and be socially active by calling or video chatting your friends and family.
    3. Choose a healthier lifestyle by eating well, reducing stress, exercising, and practising self-care.

    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 Toronto 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 write@alz.to today to learn more about our programs, services, and resources that are available to you.



    Donate Now

    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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    Our mailing address is:
    20 Eglinton Ave. W., 16th floor
    Toronto, ON M4R 1K8
    write@alz.to


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