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? Local events, social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
Something uplifting is coming your way!
Give local and make a connection this upcoming holiday season
Your Input Needed: Aducanumab Drug Review Survey
November is Make a Will Month
Tips for Care Partners: Fall Prevention
What's happening across Toronto? Local events, social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
Boomers Club
When: Wednesdays — November 10 & 24 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
The Boomers Club focuses on wellness for people with Early Onset Dementia and their care partners. The Boomers Club is generously supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance.
November 10 - BINGO Night:
Join the Boomers Club in a classic game of Bingo! The Bingo winner will be mailed a prize!
November 24 - Holiday Cookies:
Holiday Cookie Baking demonstration. Bake alongside or come along for the tutorial to take with you!
Visit our November Calendar to register for the November dates of your choice.
Virtual Art Talks with Art Gallery Ontario (AGO)
When: TUESDAYS — 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.
Visit our November Calendar to register for the November 16th session.
Watercolour for Absolute Beginners
When: FRIDAYS — November 5 to December 10 (6 weeks) | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Learn how to create beautiful watercolours, step by step. Participants will join artist Marjan Verstappen to practice and improve upon a range of simple watercolour techniques. This series is appropriate for learners at all levels and provides opportunities for each participant to learn at their own pace and in their own style. If required, participants will be mailed art supply materials for this course.
This program is in partnership with Neilson Park Creative Centre.
TUESDAYS — November 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
THURSDAYS — November 4, 11, 18 and 25 | 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 AM - 11:00 AM) and Thursdays (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM).
Visit our November Calendar to register for the Tuesday and/or Thursday dates of your choice.
Active Minds Club
The Active Minds Club offers an inclusive space online for recreation, cognitive, and social stimulation, while extending respite opportunities for caregivers.
MONDAYS — NOVEMBER 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
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.
Click here to register for the dates of your choice.
Something uplifting is coming your way!
When someone is living with dementia, they can feel disconnected from their community, misunderstood, alone, and like they have nowhere to turn because of the stigma attached to Alzheimer’s disease.
But there is a way to help people living with dementia and their care partners reconnect with their community—by being kind.
This #WorldKindnessDay, on November 13, stay tuned for our special announcement about the KIND of event you won't want to miss.
Give local and make a connection this upcoming holiday season
The importance of supporting local communities, businesses, and charitable initiatives has been amplified throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This upcoming holiday season is no different.
Celebrate the season of giving and be there for your community by making a special, year-end gift to your local Alzheimer Society. With this gift, you will be giving the people living with dementia in Toronto access to the education, counselling, and social recreation programs they rely on most.
And don’t forget! November 30 is Giving Tuesday. There’s no better day to show your support and to be kind.
Your Input Needed: Aducanumab Drug Review Survey
At the Alzheimer Society, we believe that decisions about new dementia drugs need to heed the voices of people with lived experience of dementia. The Alzheimer Society of Canada is helping support an accurate and fulsome aducanumab drug review process in Canada by coordinating and collating feedback from people with lived experience of dementia and caregivers. This ensures a “Nothing about us, without us” approach to dementia drug reviews.
If you live with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment—or care for someone who does—please take our survey and share what your experience has been like with medications used to treat these conditions. Your input will help us ensure that people who live with Alzheimer’s and MCI are fully represented and considered in Canada’s drug review process.
A Will is an extremely important document that protects those you care about, gives you control, and a peace of mind. With the increase of dementia and other brain related disease, it’s crucial that Canadians complete a valid and up-to-date Will and Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care.
During Make a Will Month, practice being kind to yourself and those around you by taking the time to complete your Will and Powers of Attorney.
To learn more and to request an estate planner, click here.
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.
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
