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 519-271-1910.
We also invite you to keep checking the online calendar 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 in Perth County? Local, social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
Soup’s On - Saturday March 5th from 11:00am - 2:00pm!
Make Healthy Food Choices this Nutrition Month
International Women’s Day: Women & Alzheimer’s disease
Thank you, social workers!
Let Your Voice be Heard! Check out these opportunities.
What's happening in Perth County? Local, social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
Soup’s On is Back - March 5th!
We are excited to announce that the 2022 Soup’s On event is back with a twist. Join us March 5th from 11:00am - 2:00pm on the “Soup’s On Trail”. New this year is the “Soup’s On House Party for 6”. Enjoy the Soup’s On experience in your home.
Soup’s On Passports
Purchase your Soup’s On Passport here. Tickets will be on sale until March 4th at 12:00pm. After that, they can be purchased on March 5 from 10:00am - 1:00pm at Stratford Tourism, 47 Downie Street.
This Soup’s On Passport will get you 4-6 oz soups of your choice from our soup vendors. You will travel around the City of Stratford to pick up your soups from the vendors listed in your passport.
Feel free to take the soup home or bring a spoon and enjoy as you walk around the beautiful streets of Stratford. If you choose to dine at one the soup vendor restaurants, you will need to order off their menu.
Soup’s On Passports will be available for pick up:
- March 1st 4th, 9:00am - 4:30pm at the Alzheimer Society of Perth County, 1020 Ontario Street, Unit 5
- March 5th, 10:00am - 1:00pm at Stratford Tourism, 47 Downie Street
Soup’s On House Party for 6
Purchase your Soup’s On House Party for 6 here. There are a limited number of house parties. The house parties will be on sale until March 3rd at 9:00pm.
Each Soup’s On House Party for 6 will include 3 different soups of your choice, cheese & crackers, breads, sweets & wine! Your Soup’s On House Party for 6 will be delivered by 12:00pm. This package is only available for delivery in the City of Stratford or pick-up option is also available.
Silent Auction
We will be hosting an online auction from February 25 - March 5th. Click here for the link. All items will be able to viewed in person, March 5th from 11:00am - 2:00 pm Revival House, 70 Brunswick St.
Can’t make the event, but still want to donate. Donate here!
Caregiver Support Groups
Caregiver support groups are an opportunity to connect with other caregivers, enhance your understanding of dementia, and develop practical strategies for supporting a person living with dementia. All caregivers who are registered clients are welcome to attend. Registration is required by contacting the group facilitator as noted below. If you have any questions about attending a Caregiver Support Group, please contact the group facilitator or your assigned First Link Counsellor at 519-271-1910 or 1-888-797-1882.
Join us for this ongoing virtual education program, suitable for care partners and people living with a dementia diagnosis. For one hour at a time, we will explore different topics of interest in-depth.
Please pre-register for each session individually by clicking the links below:
The 8 A’s of Cognitive Impairment - Intellectual Changes related to Dementia
This four-week program is designed for Care Partners who are supporting a loved one who is living with early to mid-stage dementia. These 2-hour sessions focus on dementia in the early to mid stages and the role Care Partners can play in caring for and enhancing quality of life. The program will be offered virtually over four weeks.
Dates and Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am - Tuesdays, March 1, 8, 22, 29. Please note: No group on March 15th.
Please register by contacting Christy 519-271-1910 ext. 21.
Taking Control of Our LivesŪ
Taking Control of Our Lives is a 9 week group education program focussed on empowering and supporting people with early stage dementia and their care partners. The program is designed to have a positive impact on participants ability to: make strong connections, feel valued, stand up to stigma, feel connected and have more confidence. Taking Control of Our Lives will be offered in-person. The hosting facility in Stratford does require proof of full vaccination to be provided. Pre-registration is required.
Dates and Time: Thursdays from 2:00 - 4:00 pm
March 3rd & 10th, March 24th & 31st, April 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th. Final wrap up/celebration May 5th. Please note: No group on March 17th.
Learning the Ropes for Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment - for those experiencing Short Term Memory Impairment or other cognitive change related to MCI and a family member or friend.
First Link Learning Series: Options for Care - designed to help family members and friends evaluate their current care-giving needs and explore other care options available, including long-term care.
Please connect with your First Link Counsellor or Christy to be added to a list of those interested. You will be contacted when dates and times are determined.
Social Recreation Programming
The Alzheimer Society of Perth County Virtual Social Recreation page continues to be updated regularly. Please click here to check out the latest updates!
Virtual Paint Party
Staying active and socialization are two vital parts of aging well. The Alzheimer Society of Perth County in partnership with Vanessa at Kind-Hearted Studio has created a Virtual Paint Party, a program for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their care partners. The program encourages participants to be creative and social. This program runs for 1.5 hours virtually through Zoom. Materials required to participate in this program will be delivered to the homes of registered clients prior to program start.
Advanced registration is required by calling Pamela at 519-271-1910 ext. 27 or pbalfour@alzheimerperthcounty.com. Limited spaces are available for Wednesday, March 23 from 10:30-12:00 pm.
Minds in Motion
This program incorporates physical activity and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stages of dementia and their care partners. Each session offers gentle and easy to follow physical activities led by a certified senior fitness instructor and engaging social activities focused on building personal skills. Advanced registration is required for in person Minds in Motion by calling Pamela at 519-271-1910 ext. 27 or pbalfour@alzheimerperthcounty.com.
Stratford - Tuesday, January 11 - March 1 from 10:30am - 12:30pm
St. Marys - Thursday, January 13 - March 3 from 1:00 - 3:00pm
Virtual:
Monday, January 10 - March 7 from 2:00 - 3:30pm
Crafty Corner
Calling all crafters! This month we will be creating button art. Time to get creative with buttons and glue. Join us on zoom Tuesday, March 22 from 1:30 - 2:30pm. (Note: change of date)
A craft kit can also be delivered to your home to complete the craft independently. Please register by Friday, March 11 with Teresa at 519-271-1910 ext. 33 or by email tweicker@alzheimerperthcounty.com.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
