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 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 in Perth County? Provincial social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
What’s happening across Ontario? 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 in Perth County? Provincial social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
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. Groups are currently offered over zoom, and pre-registration with your First Link Counsellor or the group facilitator is required.
Join us on Wednesday, October 27th from 10:00 - 11:30 am for a monthly education group focused on people caring for a loved one in Long Term Care or a Retirement Home. We explore various topics with guest speakers.
Join us for this ongoing further education program, suitable for care partners as well as people living with dementia. Over your lunch, join us as we will explore different topics of interest in-depth. Please Pre-register for each individual session.
Dementia & Communication: October 14th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
A collection of tips for effective communication as the brain changes; register here.
The Journey of Support Starts Here: October 28th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
An introduction to the people, programs, and services of the Alzheimer Society of Perth County; register here.
First Link Learning Series: First Steps
A 4-week learning opportunity for individuals newly diagnosed with dementia and their care partners. It provides an introduction to dementia, addressing issues including what to expect, adapting to brain changes, and planning ahead through uncertainty. This program will be offered via Zoom. Please pre-register by November 2nd with Emilia at 519-271-1910 ext. 25 or eklassen@alzheimerperthcounty.com.
Tuesdays from 10:00 - 11:30 am, November 9, 16, 23, & 30.
Social Recreation Programming
The Alzheimer Society of Perth County Virtual Social Recreation page continues to be updated bi-weekly. Please click here to check out the latest puzzle, recipe, field trip and more!
Food for Thought Meal Delivery Program
A fresh, nutritious lunch delivered to your doors on the following Thursdays between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. The ASPC has partnered with The Local Community Food Centre as well as other independent restaurants and business across Perth County.
To register for this FREE program, please contact Teresa at 519-271-1910 ext. 33 or tweicker@alzheimerperthcounty.com and she will confirm delivery date, time, and any food sensitivities. Registration required for EACH individual meal delivery.
October 21 - North Perth (please register by Thursday, October 14)
November 4 - Mitchell, Sebringville, Stratford (please register by Thursday, October 28)
Virtual Paint Party
Tuesday, October 19 at 10:30 - 12:00 pm
Staying active and socializing are two vital parts of aging well. This 1.5-hour art program was created in partnership with Vanessa at Kind-Hearted Studio to foster creativity and socialization. Virtual Pain Parties run through Zoom, and materials required to participate in this program will be delivered to the homes of registered clients prior to program start. Please register by Tuesday, October 12 with Pamela at 519-271-1910 at ext. 27 or pbalfour@alzheimerperthcounty.com. Limited spaces are available.
Music for Memories
This program offers a rockin’ music experience to people living with dementia. Upon signing up for this program, clients will receive an easy-to-use music player, a personalized music playlist, and on-going technical support. If you are interested in loaning a music player, please contact Emilia at 519-271-1910 ext. 25 or eklassen@alzheimerperthcounty.com.
What’s happening across Ontario? Provincial social recreation programs, webinars, and more!
Virtual Art Talks with Art Gallery Ontario (AGO)
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.
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 519-271-1910.
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.
