We hope this newsletter finds you well. Take some time to read through the content and implement some of these tricks into your daily life. If you have feedback or suggestions on content you would like to see, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know at write@alz.to. We would love to hear from you.
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:
What's happening across Toronto? Provincial social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
Become a Monthly Donor. Support people living with dementia.
This October is LGBTQ2S+ History Month.
Taking Care of You: World Mental Health Day
What's happening across Toronto? Provincial social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
Xenia Fall Concert featuring Moskitto Bar
When: Sunday, October 17 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Join us online for a special Xenia Fall concert featuring Moskitto Bar! Moskitto Bar is a fresh and unique sound created in the multi-cultural hub of Toronto, Canada. Their sound combines a beautiful and original mix of Ukrainian, Balkan, Iraqi Middle Eastern and French Celtic music.
More than the music, despite Moskitto Bar’s diverse traditions, political and social stories, they share a deeper connection, a mutual love and respect for each other and a common desire to spread messages of unity.
Special thank you to our partnership with Xenia Concerts and George C. Hunt Family Foundation for sponsoring this event.
Garden Wellness Café
When: Bi-Weekly on Wednesdays - October 20, November 3 & 17, December 1 & 15 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
From the comfort of your home, you'll have a chance to meet others in a fun and supportive environment and be transported to beautiful outdoor settings. We’ll start each week by awakening our senses through some gentle seated movements to get our bodies warmed up. We’ll introduce the week’s theme through poetry, art, and a short photo slideshow. We’ll also engage in a group chat, demonstrate a weekly hands-on activity that you can try at home, and encourage participants to document their seasonal discoveries in their nature journals.
Join our facilitator, Emma Rooney, as we appreciate the fall colours, taste and plant local garlic, explore why evergreen branches are a sign of hope, and explore how birds survive when it gets cold outside. Our series will conclude with a Winter Solstice Celebration to support us in transitioning to the new season.
When: October 7, 14, 21 & 28 and November 4 & 11 | 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
For readers who love the inspiration, humor, hope and real-life stories that come alive in Chicken Soup for the Soul books! Join Brent and fellow Book Club members as we read and review short stories through guided themed discussions.
This program is intended for people living with early stages of dementia, young onset dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Book Club will be held on Zoom, participants will be emailed short stories which can be found online and read prior to each session.
When: Wednesdays October 13 & 17 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
The Boomers Club focuses on wellness for people with Early Onset Dementia and their care partners. Join facilitator, Heather for the following programs:
October 13 - Garden Wellness Forest Bathing Experience:
Join special guest, Emma Rooney from Blooming Caravan to explore forest bathing. Forest bathing is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s to address burnout caused by the technological boom. Now, the practice has inspired people all over the world to connect with nature. Emma will touch upon some of the benefits of forest therapy and guide us to try it for ourselves.
Alongside our learning together, there will be an invitation to step away from the screen for a few minutes to engage our senses more fully in our home surroundings. This edition will offer simple tips on connecting with nature for your well-being, even while indoors. You are invited to have with you for this session a leaf that catches your eye.
Join the Boomers Club for a Halloween Party! Together we will paint a pumpkin masterpiece, guided by Heather. Please have your own pumpkin and paint supplies prepared.
When: TUESDAYS — October 19, November 16 and December 21 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The AGO is offering engaging small group virtual art talks to help explore their collection through conversation, exchanging ideas, and observations about the selected artworks.
This one-hour virtual art talk hosted on Zoom. The program is designed for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The art talk is facilitated by an experienced AGO Art Educator and is supported by Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s volunteers.
TUESDAYS — October 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
THURSDAYS — October 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Join us for Non-Impact Aerobics (NIA) online with Jennifer! Non-Impact Aerobics 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.
This program is offered 2x weekly, on Tuesdays (10:00 - 11:00) and Thursdays (11:00 - 12:00). Please sign up for your days of choice.
The Active Minds Club offers an inclusive space online for recreation, cognitive, and social stimulation, while extending respite opportunities for caregivers. This program is intended for persons living with young onset dementia, early stages of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Join us throughout the month for a variety of programs! These programs will be held on Zoom.
MONDAYS — OCTOBER 4, 18 & 25
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Music Therapy with Justis - Enjoy an hour of popular oldies, provided by Justis, a Music Therapist with Miya Music Therapy.
FRIDAYS — OCTOBER 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Games and Chats with Chantel - Join us for chats and check-ins along with interactive brain and entertainment games, provided by Chantel, Recreation Therapist. Chats and check-ins vary according to the week.
*Please note there will be no programming on October 11 for Thanksgiving Day.
Click here to register for the dates of your choice this October to participate in the virtual Active Minds Club.
Become a Monthly Donor. Support people living with dementia.
Support people living with dementia all year round by becoming a monthly donor.
It costs approximately $1,100 to provide a circle of care for one person living with dementia through the Alzheimer Society. Your contribution will connect a family to education, counselling, and social recreation programs.
Join the growing community of committed individuals and helping a family connect to supports and services by becoming a monthly donor today.
Seniors who identify in the LGBTQ2S+ community have experienced discrimination in different moments of their lives, as well as in the healthcare system. The homophobia they face limits their ability to be their true selves and share their identities, voice their concerns to health care practitioners, and use healthcare services.
This hesitation can lead to social isolation and loneliness in seniors that negatively effect their wellbeing and may result in depression, substance abuse, health problems, and more.
At the Alzheimer Society, we continue to foster an environment that is a safe space for all clients to be their true selves so they can receive the best dementia support possible.
If you are a care partner of a person living with dementia, or you are a person living with dementia, that identifies in the LGBTQ2S+ community, there are many resources available to you such as:
Did you know that almost half of people living with dementia are diagnosed with or have symptoms of depression or that their care partners experience higher rates of depression than any other care partner?
On October 10, help increase awareness and end the stigma around mental illness and dementia by starting a conversation and being there for the person living with dementia and their care partner in your life.
If you need someone to lean on or want to learn more about how you can help the person living with dementia in your life, reach out to us at 416-322-6560.
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.
Our mailing address is:
20 Eglinton Ave. W., 16th floor
Toronto, ON M4R 1K8 write@alz.to
