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Alzheimer's Society makes a difference for local families

Care partner shares insight and experience living with someone with dementia
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This article was provided by the Alzheimer Society - Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts 


Dementia creeps slowly into your life, then one day it is there to stay. It can be a lonely journey without support and resources. This is true both for the person living with dementia and the care partner.

Extended family members often do not have the appropriate tools nor the time to participate in care.

The Alzheimer Society has the toolbox and the time to share.

I volunteered for several years in two programs offered by Alzheimer's Society. The first being Minds In Motion for both of the partners experiencing the dementia journey. The second was the Art Program, art being a loose term, as the sessions did have a craft project, but the key component was spending time with others living through the disease.

This program was a safe environment allowing the care partner much needed time to run errands, share a coffee with a friend, or just be alone for two hours knowing their loved one was sharing quality time with others.

With both programs, the first session was always where those involved experienced some apprehension. The second week, there was chatter, smiles and laughter. Soon after, bonds were forming. These sessions morphed into a place where friendships were formed, and social engagements soon followed.

Dementia snuck into our home. I feel blessed that it is taking its time. Having been involved with the Alzheimer Society through my volunteer work, I was familiar with the services and also witnessed how important the programs were. Alzheimer Society staff are always just a phone call, an email or an appointment away.

As a care partner, I find the communication avenues offered by the Alzheimer Society to be lifesaving. Whether it is suggested strategies to work through an anxiety issue, wording to diffuse escalating emotions or suggested ideas to work with extended family struggling with the diagnosis, all have helped enormously.

My counsellor patiently listens to the words that I say, feels the feelings that I feel and offers comfort when tears are shed. Good times are shared, and successful resolutions are celebrated.

Throughout our dementia journey we have discovered that in our home, nurturing long ago learned skills works best, skills such as dancing, singing, bridge and woodworking are very sharp! These activities happen often, at times, its all about the small pleasures that are simple to do.

We continue to enjoy our time together doing the things we love most. Grabbing a couple of beverages and donuts, and sitting by the shores of Lake Nipissing, or going for a drive to grab some ice cream and our favourite treats! Getting out of the house is key.

For more information how the Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts can support you or a loved one, please call 705-495-4342 or email [email protected].