Our Connections Matter
Alzheimer Society of Durham Region

March 2022 - Issue 3

Connections That Matter

Hello, Friend!

With the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape and Public Health recommendations, the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is committed to ensuring the safety of our clients, staff and volunteers.

For anyone interested in attending one of our programs or accessing any of our services in-person, please visit our website for the latest up-to-date information about pandemic protocols and policies. If you need to reach our counselling staff, or have general questions about programs and services, please call 905-576-2567 or 1-888-301-1106, or contact us by email at information@alzheimerdurham.com.

Did you know Durham Region offers virtual urgent care clinics? If you have a non-life- or limb-threatening health concern, you can speak to a doctor or nurse practitioner virtually or by phone! It’s easy to register and make an appointment.

For more information visit https://www.urgentcaredurham.ca or https://durhamvirtualurgentcare.lh.ca.

We hope this newsletter finds you well. We also invite you to keep checking the online calendar to catch up on any newsletters you may have missed.

Happy reading!

In this edition:

  1. What’s happening in Durham Region? Local, social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
  2. Make Healthy Food Choices this Nutrition Month
  3. International Women’s Day: Women & Alzheimer’s disease
  4. Thank you, social workers!
  5. Let Your Voice be Heard! Check out these opportunities.

What’s happening in Durham Region? Local social recreation programs, webinars, and more!


Events and Fundraising

Join us Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Heydenshore Pavilion in Whitby, as we come together in-person for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, locally presented by Tim Hortons.

Can’t join us in-person? We invite you to Walk Your Way and get active doing something you enjoy, or count 11,843 steps—one for every person living with dementia in Durham Region! Who will you walk for?

Register by clicking here. Fundraise $100 by March 25, 2022, and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a gift basket and gift card from Farm Boy valued at $100!

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are a health crisis. When you fundraise for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, you support vital programs and services to help Durham Region families face the disease and live life to its fullest. Everyone will be touched by dementia, whether your relative, your friend, a member of your community or yourself. No one should have to face this disease alone.

Make a difference! Register and fundraise for The Walk today by clicking here.

For questions or for more information on how to register, contact Michelle Taylor, Director, Community Engagement / directrice, participation de la communauté by email at mtaylor@alzheimerdurham.com or call 905-576-2567 ext. 5222.


Support Groups

For more information about the following support groups, please email intake@alzheimerdurham.com or phone 905-576-2567 ext. 5233


Drop-in Care Partner Social and Support Group

Online: Wednesday, March 9 and 23, from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Facilitated by staff or qualified volunteers, drop-in sessions provide opportunities for care partners to share their experiences and navigate available resources.


Peer-Led Care Partner Support Group

In-person: Wednesday, March 16, from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Online: Wednesday, March 30, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Shared and lived experiences provide the foundation for this peer-led care partner support group. This group offers an opportunity for care partners to engage with peers in a supportive, social setting.


Men’s Breakfast

Online: Wednesday, March 2, 9, 16 and 23, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Men’s Breakfast is a peer-led group, which provides peer-to-peer support for male care partners in a casual, comfortable setting.


Care Partner Support Group for Caregivers Providing Care at Home in the Community

Friday, March 11 and 25, from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. (hybrid option available)

This safe online forum is led by a trained and experienced Counsellor and offers an opportunity to learn about topics relating to caregiver coping and connecting with community services.


Care Partner Support Group for Those Supporting Residents in Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes

Online: Monday, March 7th, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In-person: Tuesday, March 15th, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This safe online forum is led by a trained and experienced Counsellor and specifically focuses on topics and strategies that affect those supporting residents in LTC/RH such as stress, communication and responding to behaviours.


Education Sessions

For more information or to register for the following education session(s), contact intake@alzheimerdurham.com or phone 905-576-2567 ext. 5233


Early-Stage Dementia Program—Wellness

Online: Thursday, March 10, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Maintain positive connections with others by adopting practical strategies for living well, self-advocacy and ways to reduce stigma.


Learning the Ropes for Living with MCI

Learning the Ropes for Living with MCI is a six-week program for persons living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and a close family member/friend. The program provides education about MCI and focuses on optimizing cognitive health through lifestyle choices, memory training (involving practical strategies) and psychosocial and family support. Each session is limited to four couples. Registration is required. This will be an in-person session. Contact us for more information about the upcoming session!


Community Education Programs

Register for any of the following community education session(s) you like at asdr.eventbrite.ca or email education@alzheimerdurham.com.


U-First! for Care Partners

Online: Wednesday, March 16 and 23, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

U-First! for Care Partners is a new education program for family and friends who are providing direct support to someone experiencing behaviour changes as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment. The goals of the program are to enhance well-being of care partners and of the person they are supporting who is experiencing behaviour changes, reduce responsive behaviours by using the U-First! framework and improve collaboration among all team members through a common knowledge, language and approach to care.

 

U-First! for Health-Care Professionals

Online: Thursday, March 24, and Friday, March 25, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

U-First! is an innovative and unique two-day training program that helps frontline staff develop common values and a common knowledge base, language and approach to caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Participants must attend both days, in full in order to receive their certificate. Certificate will be provided at the completion of the course. Cost: $80.

 

Spotlight Series

Join us for our new monthly spotlight series featuring guest speakers sharing their knowledge and expertise on various topics to help you through the dementia journey.

Introduction to Lewy Body Dementia

Online: Monday, March 28, from 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

In this workshop, we will distinguish Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) from other types of dementia by identifying its core symptoms and by understanding the possible causes/risk factors that bring changes to brain structure and function. It will also discuss general ways of supporting people living with LBD.


Active Living Programs

March Recreation Kits

Let’s say a final farewell to the cold and snow and celebrate a fresh new season with our spring-themed recreation kit! Explore, appreciate and delight in the signs of spring as you complete each of the activities included.

Each recreation kit will be thoughtfully curated to provide fun and engaging themed activities for a person living with dementia. The kit will be delivered to your door and include the supplies you need to participate in a purposeful task along with easy-to-follow instructions. After your kit is delivered, you’ll receive a friendly call from one of our dedicated volunteers.

This program is for persons living with dementia or a care partner on their behalf. Registration required. Must reside within Durham Region. Some restrictions may apply. To learn more, please contact our Intake Team at 905-576-2567 ext. 5233, toll-free at 1-888-301-1106 or email here.


Minds in Motion

Online: Wednesday, March 2 and 9, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is currently recruiting participants to join our pilot project to learn about the impacts of Minds in Motion offered virtually (on the computer). The pilot program will occur on a web-based platform such as Zoom.

Online: Monday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, from 1:30 p.m. 3 p.m.

Minds in Motion is a physical activity and brain-stimulation program for people living with dementia and their care partners. This will be a great environment to establish new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences. Combining physical, mental and social stimulation improves brain health and may slow the disease progression and can improve mood and decrease the risk of depression among both persons living with dementia and their care partners.

Minds in Motion is delivered by our experienced staff, community partners and dedicated volunteers. Pre-registration required. Phone 905-576-2567 ext.5003 or email recreation@alzheimerdurham.com for more information.


Make Healthy Food Choices this Nutrition Month

This Nutrition Month, we encourage you to make 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.


International Women’s Day: Women & Alzheimer’s disease


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.


Thank you, social workers!


This #NationalSocialWorkMonth, the Alzheimer Society thanks the hardwork and contributions social workers make in the lives of those living with and impacted by dementia.

We recognize the passion and effort that you bring to your work and encourage you to try and maintain a positive mind by keeping these positive affirmations in your heart:

💙 I believe in myself.

💙 I am not "just" a social worker.

💙 I can do anything, but not everything.

💙 It is okay to ask for help and keep learning.

💙 I deserve "me" time.

💙 I am proud of myself.


Let Your Voice be Heard! Check out these opportunities.

SE Research Dementia Journal

Are you a family caregiver or a person living with dementia in a rural, remote, or isolated community in Canada? Your feedback is needed. You will receive a $50 honorarium in appreciation for your time. Learn more here.

Opportunity for Participation: Dementia Surveillance Project

Are you a person living with dementia or care partner in Canada? Participate in a virtual focus group where your perspective will help shape Canada’s dementia data system and help promote quality of life for those impacted by the disease. Learn more here.

Research on Rural-Dwelling Older Persons with Dementia & Their Care Partners

Take part in a study about care practices that help improve the physical & cognitive functioning after a hospital stay. Participation will involve one interview via telephone or video conference or at your home. An honnorarium will be provided. Learn more here.



Donate Now

People living with Alzheimer’s disease 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.








1600 Stellar Dr., Suite 202
Whitby, Ontario L1N 9B2
information@alzheimerdurham.com


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