Alzheimer Information Guide Winter 2024
The Alzheimer Society is seen as a resource in the area for those living with dementia and caregivers. Our success is significantly due to the desire to work collaboratively with other organizations. We aspire to be a leader in the development of best practices in dementia care. Our programs and services promote wellness and social inclusion.
The Alzheimer Society is seen as a resource in the area for those living with dementia and caregivers. Our success is significantly due to the desire to work collaboratively with other organizations. We aspire to be a leader in the development of best practices in dementia care. Our programs and services promote wellness and social inclusion.
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<strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s Awareness<br />
INFORMATION GUIDE <strong>2024</strong><br />
What you need to know, and how we can help you<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca<br />
When faced with a life changing<br />
diagnosis, people can pick many<br />
paths of how to move<br />
forward or to stay still.<br />
Fred Punch’s new goal<br />
is to make a difference<br />
to those living with<br />
dementia. He would like<br />
to help with the fear he<br />
knows people may face.<br />
He is working hard to<br />
live day to day.<br />
A year ago, Fred and I<br />
gathered to write a story<br />
about his experience of<br />
living with Lewy Body<br />
dementia. We would like<br />
to revisit Fred’s journey and see his<br />
current thoughts and experiences. -<br />
Christine Wright, <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society<br />
Education Coordinator<br />
Fred’s Story: “I have lived in Sarnia<br />
my whole life. I worked selling cars<br />
for 35 years mostly with Lambton<br />
Ford, where I sold about 5,000 new<br />
and used cars. I am 70 years old and<br />
would like to stay 70 for another 20<br />
years at least. Why am I sharing<br />
my story? I hope that I can help<br />
others and their families who have<br />
dementia or are wondering if they<br />
might have dementia.<br />
My form of dementia is called<br />
Lewy Body dementia. You may<br />
not have heard of it but famous<br />
people including Robin Williams,<br />
Ted Turner, and Casey Kasem have/<br />
had it. I would like to share some<br />
of my symptoms, and they may not<br />
Steps to Living with Dementia<br />
happen to everyone with<br />
Lewy Body dementia.<br />
A few years ago, I started<br />
experiencing things in my<br />
life that I couldn’t explain.<br />
I was afraid to talk about<br />
them because they were<br />
bizarre. Honestly, I was<br />
scared. My first symptom<br />
was hallucinations that are<br />
now quite frequent. I see<br />
people walking down the street and<br />
in my living room that are not there.<br />
This only lasts for a few seconds.<br />
My sense of direction was off. I<br />
would follow other customers in<br />
the grocery store until I got to the<br />
cashier. I got lost briefly on my street<br />
where I have lived for 30 years.<br />
My memory became a problem<br />
and affected my daily activities.<br />
I also had issues with my visual<br />
perception. I would sometimes look<br />
By Fred Punch<br />
at a carpet and see a face in the<br />
pattern. I started losing my balance<br />
and fell down the stairs a few times.<br />
Sometimes it helps to laugh at<br />
these things. One time my wife and<br />
I were sitting down at the bridge,<br />
and we could see some fishermen,<br />
but they didn’t seem to be catching<br />
anything. I suggested to my wife<br />
they move their boat to where all<br />
the fish were jumping out of the<br />
water. There<br />
were no fish<br />
jumping out of<br />
the water. It was<br />
instead another<br />
one of my false<br />
visions.<br />
I thought to<br />
myself, what am I<br />
going to do? There is<br />
no cure. What is next<br />
for me? A friend of<br />
mine said to contact<br />
the <strong>Alzheimer</strong><br />
Society right away.<br />
The staff spent<br />
time answering my<br />
questions and told<br />
me of the services<br />
available. I will always remember<br />
those initial conversations and how<br />
I was helped along the way. I will<br />
admit I was leery to start programs<br />
at the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society, but I am<br />
enjoying my time with the Day<br />
Program, the exercises, education<br />
and all the support. No one rushes<br />
you - they are all there to help.<br />
I noticed that people seemed to<br />
be “walking on broken glass” when<br />
talking to me once they learned of<br />
my diagnosis. People need to just<br />
treat people living with dementia<br />
like people.<br />
Besides taking part in the<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society programs, I also<br />
stay active in many community<br />
programs including: swimming,<br />
kayaking, Taoist Tai Chi, and<br />
Drum Fit. While these all help me<br />
physically, and stimulate my brain,<br />
the greatest benefit<br />
may be socializing with<br />
others.<br />
If I can find a positive,<br />
I have met so many<br />
great people that I<br />
would not have met if I<br />
didn’t have dementia.<br />
Some people when<br />
they are diagnosed with<br />
dementia just want to<br />
give up. I have decided<br />
that is not for me. I<br />
worked for 33 years on<br />
commission, so I know a<br />
bit about not giving up.”<br />
From the creators of...<br />
Welcome to ...<br />
THE CLUB<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca
There are approximately 3,000 persons living with a form of dementia in Lambton County.<br />
Our Case for Support<br />
You can help alleviate the<br />
personal and social consequences<br />
of <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease and other<br />
dementias. Dementia is not a normal<br />
part of aging.<br />
Many people experience some<br />
memory loss as they get older. But only<br />
a portion of people develop dementia<br />
that progresses from mild to severe<br />
over several years. Dementia, like<br />
any other health condition, requires<br />
treatment and interventions to allow<br />
the person affected to have the best<br />
quality of life possible. Each year the<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society of Sarnia-Lambton<br />
helps close to 1000 people live better<br />
with dementia.<br />
With few medical options to slow<br />
the progression of dementia and no<br />
cure, a diagnosis of dementia can feel<br />
hopeless and isolating. The services<br />
provided by the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society<br />
help to reduce the stigma associated<br />
with dementia and ensure people<br />
living with this disease have a network<br />
of support and the help they need to<br />
live well. Supports and services are<br />
provided to both the person living<br />
with dementia and their care partner<br />
to help them navigate the dementia<br />
journey from the very beginning.<br />
We have come a long way in the past<br />
five years, introducing new programs<br />
and services and doubling the number<br />
of clients we serve. However, our<br />
population is aging and the number<br />
of people living with dementia is<br />
expected to triple within the next 30<br />
By Marie Marcy-Smids<br />
years. We are already experiencing<br />
strain on our capacity to meet the<br />
needs of our clients, and we know this<br />
will only get worse.<br />
Wait times result in unnecessary<br />
hospital admission and early<br />
admission to long-term care<br />
Currently, our clients face waits of<br />
up to three weeks for intake. This is<br />
simply not acceptable. Many of those<br />
who reach out to us do so in the later<br />
stages of their dementia journey when<br />
they have reached a point of crisis; a<br />
time when they need service in that<br />
moment. If supports are not accessible<br />
at the time they are needed, the only<br />
option is to access service through the<br />
emergency department, resulting in<br />
hospital admission or early admission<br />
to long-term care. This situation<br />
is avoidable. Family care partners<br />
deserve better. People living with<br />
dementia deserve better, and you can<br />
help.<br />
The <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society of Sarnia-<br />
Lambton is fortunate to receive<br />
funding from Ontario Health, but it<br />
is not enough. It is not enough now,<br />
as we face a $125,000 deficit just to<br />
maintain our current service levels;<br />
and it will not be enough in the<br />
coming years as the need for service<br />
continues to grow. Your financial gift<br />
and support can directly affect our wait<br />
times for service and help us expand<br />
programming. It will directly improve<br />
the quality of life for both people living<br />
with dementia and their care partners.<br />
SLEEP HEALTH SERVICES<br />
& CPAP SUPPLIES<br />
Sleep apnea and <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s are directly linked. Many studies<br />
show that sleep apnea can contribute to paents developing<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease and many people with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s do have<br />
sleep apnea. Restwell would like to recognize <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s<br />
disease by helping our community in any way we can. If you<br />
think you have problems sleeping, give us a call today!<br />
• Free CPAP Machine Consultaon & Assessment<br />
• CPAP Supplies & Sleep Accessories<br />
• Home Sleep Apnea Tesng<br />
- In your home, no wait list, professionally<br />
analyzed & sent to your doctor in 1-2 weeks<br />
• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring<br />
Joel Clarke<br />
RPSGT, RCT<br />
Execuve<br />
Director<br />
481 London Rd<br />
Sarnia, ON<br />
226-776-8891<br />
RestwellSarnia.ca<br />
Please contact us for more informaon - We are always happy to help!<br />
Memory loss that affects<br />
Sign1<br />
day-to-day abilities<br />
It is normal to occasionally forget<br />
appointments, colleagues’ names or a friend’s<br />
phone number only to remember them a<br />
short while later. However, a person with<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease may forget things more<br />
often or may have difficulty recalling<br />
information that has recently been learned.<br />
Difficulty performing<br />
Sign2<br />
familiar tasks<br />
Busy people can be so distracted from time<br />
to time that they may forget to serve part of<br />
a meal, only to remember about it later.<br />
However, a person with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease<br />
may have trouble completing tasks that have<br />
been familiar to them all their lives, such as<br />
preparing a meal or playing a game.<br />
Problems with<br />
Sign3<br />
language<br />
Anyone can have trouble finding the right<br />
word to express what they want to say.<br />
However, a person with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease<br />
may forget simple words or may substitute<br />
words such that what they are saying is<br />
difficult to understand.<br />
Disorientation in time<br />
Sign4<br />
and space<br />
It is common to forget the day of the week or<br />
ones destination - for a moment. But people<br />
with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease can become lost on<br />
their own street, not knowing how they got<br />
there or how to get home.<br />
10<br />
Impaired<br />
Sign5<br />
judgment<br />
From time to time, people may make<br />
questionable decisions such as putting off<br />
seeing a doctor when they are not feeling<br />
well. However, a person with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s<br />
disease may experience changes in judgment<br />
or decision-making, such as not recognizing a<br />
medical problem that needs attention or<br />
wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.<br />
Problems with abstract<br />
Sign6<br />
thinking<br />
From time to time, people may have<br />
difficulty with tasks that require abstract<br />
thinking, such as balancing a chequebook.<br />
However, someone with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease<br />
may have significant difficulties with such<br />
tasks because of a loss of understanding<br />
what numbers are and how they are used.<br />
Misplacing things<br />
Sign7<br />
Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or<br />
keys. However, a person with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s<br />
disease may put things in inappropriate<br />
places: for example, an iron in the freezer or<br />
a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.<br />
Is it <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease?<br />
WARNING<br />
SIGNS<br />
Changes in<br />
Sign<br />
8<br />
mood and behaviour<br />
Anyone can feel sad or moody from time to<br />
time. However, someone with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s<br />
disease can show varied mood swings - from<br />
calmness to tears to anger - for no apparent<br />
reason.<br />
Sign Changes in personality<br />
9<br />
Personalities can change in subtle ways over<br />
time. However, a person with<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease may experience more<br />
striking personality changes and can become<br />
confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Changes<br />
may also include lack of interest, fearfulness<br />
or acting out of character.<br />
Sign Loss of initiative<br />
10<br />
It is normal to tire of housework, business<br />
activities or social obligations, but most<br />
people regain their initiative. However, a<br />
person with <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease may become<br />
passive and disinterested, and require cues<br />
and prompting to become involved.<br />
Page 2<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca
HEALTHY HEARING & BRAIN TIPS:<br />
MEDS RX<br />
M<br />
E<br />
D<br />
S<br />
R<br />
X<br />
Almost 80% of the public are concerned about developing dementia at some point.<br />
Mindfulness: Start by being mindful of your stress level<br />
noise exposure, daily habits, and overall health.<br />
• Be aware of your stress levels<br />
• Use meditation and deep breathing to reduce stress<br />
• Limit exposure to loud sounds to protect your hearing and brain<br />
• Be mindful of preventing or effectively managing chronic conditions<br />
Exercise: Stay active and move your body.<br />
• Move your body regularly to stay healthy<br />
• Aim for 30 minutes a day, even in shorter sessions<br />
• Talk to a doctor before starting a new exercise routine<br />
Diet: Choose good foods for your body and brain.<br />
• Eat fruits and veggies to protect your brain with antioxidants<br />
• Have lean proteins like chicken and fish for a healthy brain<br />
• Don’t eat too much sugar or bad fats, and drink plenty of water<br />
Sleep: Time to talk about sleep and how it helps your brain.<br />
• Aim for 7 to 9 hours each night<br />
• Keep a regular sleep schedule<br />
Relationships: Focus on the importance of staying connected.<br />
• Stay connected with family and friends<br />
• Being social is good for your brain<br />
• Regular contact and social activities help prevent loneliness<br />
• Join clubs, volunteer, or make new friends<br />
• Seek help if you feel very lonely<br />
Extras: Here are some extra tips to keep your brain sharp and safe.<br />
• Treat all hearing loss, get regular hearing checks<br />
• Challenge your mind with memory games and puzzles<br />
• Stay safe and prevent falls<br />
SCHEDULE YOUR HEARING TEST NOW<br />
Bluewater Hearing & Balance<br />
(519) 344-8887 | www.bluewaterhearing.ca<br />
Sarnia: 714 London Road, Sarnia Ontario N7T 4X6<br />
A Message from our CEO<br />
The <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society of Sarnia<br />
Lambton offers support, information,<br />
education, and system navigation to<br />
people living with dementia, their<br />
families, and their care partners.<br />
We strive to increase public<br />
awareness of dementia and<br />
advocate for services that<br />
respect the dignity of the<br />
individual.<br />
Our caring team of<br />
staff and volunteers<br />
work diligently to fulfill<br />
the Society’s mission,<br />
to alleviate the personal<br />
and social consequences<br />
of <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease<br />
and other dementias and to<br />
promote research.<br />
Support is available to<br />
anyone affected by memory loss or<br />
dementia, and our staff work with<br />
healthcare professionals, and other<br />
community agencies so that they<br />
too can provide person-centred and<br />
meaningful support to people living<br />
with dementia.<br />
The Society prides itself on forwardthinking,<br />
collaborative, inclusive,<br />
diverse, and equitable practices and<br />
is recognized as a leading resource in<br />
the community. We make informed<br />
decisions based on input from our<br />
clients and our community.<br />
We know that social isolation is<br />
one of the most difficult outcomes for<br />
people living with dementia and their<br />
care partners. The benefits of active<br />
Dementia is a call for us all<br />
to be more patient<br />
in a busy world.<br />
living programs and social programs<br />
can help reduce isolation and relieve<br />
care partner stress. Evidence<br />
demonstrates that programs such<br />
as day programs, respite, social<br />
recreation, education, support<br />
groups and counseling<br />
assist people to live well<br />
in our community. It also<br />
eases the burden on our<br />
healthcare system. In the<br />
testimonials included<br />
in this publication, you<br />
can see the wonderful<br />
feedback received from<br />
clients participating in our<br />
services.<br />
We hope this publication<br />
will be helpful for you to<br />
learn more about our services<br />
and programs and how they can<br />
help you, your family member, your<br />
neighbour or anyone else in Lambton<br />
County living with dementia. Clients<br />
have shared that they wish they<br />
had connected with the <strong>Alzheimer</strong><br />
Society earlier to help with<br />
navigation throughout their journey.<br />
Early intervention has proven to be<br />
helpful to everyone involved. Do not<br />
hesitate to reach out to us for more<br />
information or support.<br />
ilivewithdementia.ca | #ilivewithdementia<br />
(Melanie Bouck, CEO)<br />
Welcome to ...<br />
THE<br />
CLUB<br />
Sarnia<br />
Lambton’s<br />
MAGAZINE<br />
FOR 55 +<br />
LIKE NO OTHER!<br />
It has been a great<br />
honour for us<br />
to partner with the<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society<br />
in creating this<br />
important publication.<br />
THANK YOU<br />
for all the work<br />
you do to benefit<br />
our communities.<br />
welcometotheclub.ca • 519-491-1676<br />
Volunteer Opportunities<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society Sarnia-Lambton provides help for<br />
people living with dementia and their care partners.<br />
We need people of all ages, skills, and interests to help<br />
plan, coordinate, advocate, organize, lead and inspire.<br />
We will do our best to match your skill set and interests<br />
with our need for support.<br />
How you can help:<br />
• Individual and Group Supports<br />
• Social Activation Programs: Minds in Motion,<br />
Inspirational Moments, Forget Me Not Social Club<br />
• Client Services Support<br />
• Special Events and Fundraising Support<br />
• Young Leader Collective<br />
• Bingos<br />
• Board of Directors<br />
To get involved:<br />
Call: 519-332-4444<br />
Email: arand@alzheimersarnia.ca<br />
Web: alzheimer.ca/sarnialambton<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca<br />
Page 3
There are 600,000+ persons living with dementia in Canada (1.7 million predicted by 2050).<br />
FOOT ORTHOTICS<br />
SLIPPERS, SHOES, BOOTS, SANDALS<br />
Julie Munday,<br />
Certified Pedorthist<br />
www.soledecisions.ca<br />
ASK ABOUT IN-HOME SERVICE<br />
303 Davis St, Sarnia • 888-971-6345<br />
Established in 1978,<br />
Lambton Pharmacy continues to<br />
provide caring, professional pharmacy<br />
services to residents of the beautiful<br />
town of Petrolia and Lambton County.<br />
4130 Glenview Rd, Unit 2, Petrolia<br />
519-882-0650<br />
Danielle Edgar, B.Sc., PharmD<br />
Pharmacist<br />
Monday–Friday 9–6<br />
Saturday 9–12<br />
The North Lambton Community<br />
Health Centre provides primary<br />
care, health promotion, community<br />
development and volunteerism. We<br />
work together with our system<br />
partners to maximize our<br />
resources.<br />
Our team focusses on assisting<br />
people to improve their wellbeing<br />
through better health and<br />
community inclusion. Our expertise<br />
in rural health and serving<br />
marginalized communities is one<br />
of our core strengths.<br />
SOME KEY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:<br />
• Virtual programs<br />
• In person programs<br />
(Indoor & Outdoor in spring,<br />
summer, fall & winter)<br />
• Virtual appointments<br />
• Outreach to various<br />
community partners<br />
• Harm Reduction and Hep C services<br />
FOR INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS:<br />
Forest at 519-786-4545 ext.307<br />
Sarnia at 519-344-3017 ext.259<br />
For a full list of programming<br />
visit www.nlchc.com<br />
Follow us on social media:<br />
northlambtoncommunityhealthcentre<br />
westlambtoncommunityhealthcentre<br />
northlambtonchc<br />
SERVICES AVAILABLE<br />
AT FOREST & SARNIA<br />
MENTAL WELLNESS<br />
• Opening Door Program<br />
• Living through Depression<br />
& Anxiety<br />
• Start Overcoming Stress<br />
• Sleep Happy<br />
• Meditation<br />
• Anger Management<br />
• <strong>Alzheimer</strong>s caregiver<br />
support (Forest)<br />
FITNESS PROGRAMS<br />
• Low Impact Exercise<br />
• Yoga • Shibashi<br />
• Seated Chair exercise<br />
• Trail Walking • Walking Fit<br />
MASTER YOUR HEALTH<br />
• Living with a Chronic Disease<br />
• Living with Chronic Pain<br />
SOCIAL<br />
Coffee Time in Arkona, Brigden,<br />
Forest, Kettle Point & Sarnia<br />
HEALTHY EATING<br />
• Garden Fresh Box<br />
• Mindful Eating Program<br />
KIDS PROGRAMS<br />
• Cooking Buddies<br />
• Afterschool Programs<br />
NEW PARENTS<br />
• Baby’s First Foods<br />
• Breastfeeding support<br />
• Feeding supports<br />
OTHER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE:<br />
• Pulmonary Rehab Program<br />
• Falls Prevention Program<br />
• Cardiac Rehab Program<br />
• Diabetes Program<br />
Ways You<br />
Can Donate<br />
There are so many ways to<br />
take action! Find out how to<br />
make a difference in your<br />
community and in the lives<br />
of people living with dementia by making a donation today.<br />
PLANNED GIFTS - By taking action and creating or updating your<br />
Will and Powers of Attorney, you will protect your family, your<br />
assets, save taxes and help in the fight against dementia. Your<br />
planned gift could be a bequest, gift of securities, gift of life<br />
insurance, major gift or other assets. Plan today for future<br />
distribution. Talk to your advisor.<br />
CORPORATE GIVING - We have many sponsorship opportunities<br />
throughout the year for various fundraising events, as well as<br />
in-office fundraising opportunities your team can participate in. Get<br />
your business involved today by fundraising (i.e. dress-down days,<br />
baked good sale, etc), Matching Gift program, Employee Charitable<br />
Giving program, Corporate Sponsorship or Hosting a Fundraising<br />
Event.<br />
MONTHLY GIVING - Monthly giving is an easy and convenient way<br />
to support the work we do, every month! It allows us to plan ahead,<br />
so that any gift, makes an ongoing difference in the lives of those<br />
living with dementia. Tax receipts are given annually.<br />
SPECIAL OCCASION GIVING (Wedding/Birthday/Tribute) - Use an<br />
event to help support people living with dementia and their families.<br />
Many of our supporters choose to give to ASSL in lieu of favours,<br />
gifts or flowers at special occasions. Our team can offer you a<br />
unique way to help celebrate your special day, making it a<br />
memorable, meaningful way to make a difference to the<br />
community. Ask Marie about Special Occassion giving today<br />
519-332-4444, mmarcy-smids@alzhiemersarnia.ca<br />
MEMORIAL GIFTS - Memorial donations to the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society<br />
Sarnia Lambton are a significant way to pay tribute to a relative,<br />
friend or colleague who has passed away.<br />
Donations can also be made online at www.canadahelps.org, over the<br />
phone (519-332-4444) with a major credit card, by mail or by dropping<br />
by our office. Cheques to <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society of Sarnia-Lambton, 420<br />
East St North, Sarnia, ON N7T 6Y5. Receipts are issued for donations<br />
of $20.00 or more.<br />
Page 4<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca
350,000 persons in Canada experience being a care partner for a person living with dementia annually.<br />
Ways to reduce<br />
dementia stigma:<br />
Focus on what a person<br />
with dementia CAN do.<br />
Join in on our Active Living<br />
Programs including exercise,<br />
art, music, and travel (from the<br />
comfort of home) for persons<br />
living with dementia and their<br />
care partners.<br />
Contact Vanessa<br />
at 519-332-4444<br />
to learn more.<br />
Treating Hearing Loss<br />
helps<br />
keep<br />
your<br />
Untreated<br />
Hearing Loss<br />
Treated<br />
Hearing Loss<br />
Less stimulation<br />
of the brain<br />
Improved<br />
communication skills<br />
Accelerated mental decline<br />
Higher risk of dementia<br />
Socially active<br />
Stimulation of the brain<br />
Trouble with remembering<br />
and problem solving<br />
Keeps your brain fit<br />
Social activities stimulate your brain - proper treatment reduces the risk of mental decline<br />
A person with hearing loss who does<br />
not treat hearing loss has a higher risk<br />
of accelerated mental decline due to<br />
withdrawal from social activities<br />
ACT NOW!<br />
A person with hearting loss who treats it<br />
and is socially active is more likely to have<br />
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alzheimersarnia.ca<br />
Page 5
Almost 62% of healthcare practitioners worldwide incorrectly think that dementia is part of normal ageing.<br />
Our Philosophy<br />
The <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society is seen as a resource in the area for those living<br />
with dementia and caregivers. Our success is significantly due to the<br />
desire to work collaboratively with other organizations. We aspire to be<br />
a leader in the development of best practices in dementia care. Our<br />
programs and services promote wellness and social inclusion.<br />
2023<br />
Photos by Kerry's Klips Photography<br />
Our Mission<br />
To alleviate the personal and social<br />
consequences of <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s disease and<br />
related dementias and to promote research<br />
with respect to such disease and dementias.<br />
Our Role<br />
The role of the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society of<br />
Sarnia-Lambton is to offer support, information<br />
and education to people with dementia, their<br />
families and their caregivers, to increase public<br />
awareness of dementia, to promote research<br />
and to advocate for services that respect the<br />
dignity of the individual.<br />
Our Vision<br />
We envision a world without <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s<br />
disease and other dementias.<br />
Our Values<br />
C A R E E<br />
Collaboration Accountability Respect Empowerment Excellence<br />
In support of<br />
CANADA<br />
Sarnia Construction Association<br />
www.sarniaconstructionassociation.ca<br />
954 Upper Canada Drive, Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7J4<br />
Page 6<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca
1 in 11 persons over the age of 65 currently have a form of dementia.<br />
From Independent Living<br />
to Comprehensive Care<br />
VISION74<br />
’74 INC.<br />
NURSING & REST HOME<br />
519-332-8461 • www.vision74.com<br />
Corporation or Business Winner<br />
Steve Orr and Matt Rothwell<br />
Bayview Chrysler Dodge<br />
Bayview was selected because their<br />
leadership team has made dementia<br />
and <strong>Alzheimer</strong> disease a priority<br />
in their corporate philanthropy.<br />
The Dorothea Rivett Award<br />
In 1993, Dorothea Rivett volunteered<br />
as a Board Member with the <strong>Alzheimer</strong><br />
Society of Sarnia Lambton. During her<br />
tenure, she served as President and<br />
Treasurer and has been credited with<br />
rebuilding the Society. Dorothea had<br />
a vision for the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society and<br />
believed the agency should be in a<br />
location accessible to all.<br />
She worked hard to have the office<br />
moved to Sarnia where it was more<br />
visible than its prior location within a<br />
long- term care home in the County. She<br />
hired a staff team, secured charitable<br />
status and affiliation as a federated<br />
partner of the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society of<br />
Ontario. Dorothea’s belief was that<br />
the ASSL should be highly visible and<br />
accessible to all. Dorothea passed away<br />
on October 19, 2006.<br />
The Dorothea Rivett award is<br />
presented annually to one individual<br />
and to one corporation or business.<br />
Nominations open in April and<br />
recipients are selected by Committee at<br />
the end of May. Winners are recognized<br />
at the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society’s Annual<br />
General Meeting in September.<br />
Candidates must have made some<br />
contribution to move the community<br />
forward in one of the following areas:<br />
research, program need, forward<br />
thinking for change, visibility of the<br />
disease, accessibility to information<br />
– contribution makes the individual a<br />
“champion” of awareness.<br />
Individual Winner<br />
Michelle Stewardson RN., GEM<br />
Nurse, Bluewater Health (pictured<br />
on right, with Maggie Boulton from<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society on left)<br />
Michelle was selected for going<br />
above and beyond in advocating for<br />
patients & family at the hospital.<br />
What Our Clients Have Shared:<br />
“The staff of the ASSL are<br />
consummate professionals<br />
whose work is consistently<br />
characterized by kindness<br />
and a personal touch.”<br />
“My brother wouldn’t have coped as well as<br />
he has with his dementia and I wouldn’t have<br />
been able to provide the care and support he<br />
needed without the expertise of the Society.<br />
As our needs changed, the society staff knew<br />
next steps and how to support us.”<br />
“Without all of these caring<br />
and trustworthy people in<br />
our lives, Harold and I<br />
would be living a life of<br />
dread and hopelessness.<br />
Getting in touch with these<br />
people over the last few<br />
years has been the absolute<br />
best part of our lives.”<br />
“I never could’ve dreamed I would gain such valuable<br />
insight into tactics, techniques, and strategies. Nor could<br />
I have imagined the deep friendships that were formed.”<br />
“ASSL is a valuable asset in our community, fostering<br />
cooperation among relevant agencies and institutions,<br />
reaching out with public education, and creating<br />
a hopeful outlook on dementia care.”<br />
“[The] instructor presented the<br />
material in a manner which<br />
was easy to follow, informative.<br />
Excellent presentation.<br />
Good presenter. Brought some<br />
sense of humour to the<br />
presentation as well.”<br />
– First responder, participant.<br />
“It was just a really bad day and thank goodness<br />
I called [my First Link Care Navigator]. She helped<br />
me calm down and think things through. I would<br />
have gone to the Emergency department as I did<br />
not know what to do with her… I am so grateful<br />
to have such an excellent [Society] close to home<br />
to support me and my husband.”<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca<br />
Page 7
46% of Canadians admit they would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia.<br />
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2023 Open House<br />
LONDON ROAD PHARMACY<br />
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www.londonroadpharmacy.com<br />
Tammy Maure<br />
1249 London Rd<br />
519-491-6778<br />
PROUD TO SUPPORT<br />
ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS<br />
BOB BAILEY<br />
MPP - Sarnia-Lambton<br />
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE<br />
805 Christina St. North, Suite 102<br />
Point Edward, ON N7V 1X6<br />
www.bobbaileympp.com<br />
Tel: (519) 337-0051<br />
Email: bob.baileyco@pc.ola.org<br />
Page 8<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca
Up to three quarters of those living with dementia worldwide have not received a diagnosis.<br />
Caregiver Resolutions<br />
Start by first telling yourself “I give myself<br />
permission to not keep the following<br />
resolutions or to keep them only partway.”<br />
& “I give myself permission to not be perfect.”<br />
• I will not try to maintain the impossible<br />
• I will be realistic about the illness<br />
• I will consider what can realistically change<br />
• I will ask for help from others & share the load<br />
• I will support myself like I am my own friend<br />
• I will accept help from others<br />
• I will ask for help from others<br />
• I will understand that I may not feel in control<br />
• I will look for humour in joy when I can<br />
• I will take care of myself too<br />
• I will contact the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society<br />
for support and information<br />
New Year<br />
519-332-4444<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca<br />
Easy<br />
is always<br />
on hand.<br />
Open your freezer to many easy<br />
meals made especially for seniors,<br />
delivered for free*.<br />
In September 2021, ASSL launched<br />
the Young Leaders Collective (YLC), a<br />
passionate community committed to<br />
changing lives affected by dementia.<br />
The YLC stands on the pillars of<br />
advocacy, networking, education, and<br />
community engagement.<br />
Currently, our Young Leaders<br />
Collective boasts 9 active members, each<br />
devoted to supporting our fundraising<br />
activities. Throughout the past year,<br />
we’ve had some remarkable moments,<br />
including successful events like “It’s 5<br />
O’clock Somewhere,” BorderFest, the IG<br />
Wealth Walk for <strong>Alzheimer</strong>’s, and even<br />
the Kinsmen Santa Claus parade!<br />
The group’s primary goal is to gather<br />
regularly, foster awareness and<br />
understanding of dementia care, while<br />
also facilitating valuable networking<br />
opportunities and making meaningful<br />
contributions to our community.<br />
Photos by Kerry's Klips Photography<br />
2023<br />
Locally owned by<br />
Paul & Linda Knight<br />
Get your FREE Menu<br />
1-877-404-4246<br />
HeartToHomeMeals.ca<br />
*Some conditions may apply.<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca<br />
Page 9
A new case of dementia arises somewhere in the world every 3 seconds.<br />
VULNERABLE PERSONS REGISTRY<br />
Do you know someone living with dementia?<br />
3 out of 5 people living with<br />
dementia will go missing at some<br />
point, a frightening experience,<br />
and a dangerous one.<br />
That’s why the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society<br />
of Sarnia-Lambton is partnering<br />
with The Sarnia Police Services and<br />
OPP to provide an opportunity for<br />
individuals living with dementia to<br />
be registered as someone at risk of<br />
going missing. Critical information<br />
collected provides searchers with<br />
quick access to key information to<br />
assist in locating the individual and<br />
returning them home safely.<br />
Y<br />
D<br />
E<br />
M<br />
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N<br />
T<br />
I<br />
A<br />
S<br />
WORD SEARCH<br />
L<br />
D<br />
M<br />
I<br />
S<br />
S<br />
I<br />
N<br />
G<br />
N<br />
A<br />
L<br />
Z<br />
H<br />
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I<br />
M<br />
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R<br />
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V<br />
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B<br />
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F<br />
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A<br />
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V<br />
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S<br />
Y<br />
P<br />
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L<br />
I<br />
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R<br />
A<br />
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N<br />
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T<br />
Y<br />
Can you find the 12 words related<br />
to the vulnerable person registry?<br />
2023<br />
PETROLIA WALK<br />
Photos by Von Shoemaker<br />
Registration<br />
is easy!<br />
Let’s all do our part to help individuals with<br />
dementia live safely in our community.<br />
Simply call <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society Sarnia-Lambton<br />
at 519 332 4444 to learn how.<br />
WE’RE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE<br />
Page 10<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca
Over 50% of carers globally say their health has suffered as a result of their caring responsibilities.<br />
What We Do - Programs & Services in Sarnia-Lambton<br />
<strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society of Sarnia Lambton has many programs including:<br />
• Counselling Services<br />
• Care Navigation<br />
• Support Groups<br />
• Social Recreation Programs<br />
• Education Sessions for people living with dementia,<br />
families, care partners and healthcare professionals<br />
• Professional training programs<br />
• <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society Mindful Music project<br />
• Peer-led support groups, and program support<br />
• Fundraising and Events<br />
• Online Programming (webinars, and social recreation)<br />
• Inter-professional collaboration and building community partnerships<br />
• Advocacy to support person with dementia to live well in our community<br />
INFORMATION AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS<br />
First Link Learning Series<br />
First Steps Workshop for persons with dementia to understand and address<br />
concerns about progression and changes they may experience.<br />
Next Steps for Families Workshop for care partners to better understand<br />
dementia symptoms and affects.<br />
Care Essentials Workshop Workshop on middle stages of dementia and<br />
understanding responsive behaviours, communication tips and best approach<br />
for care partners.<br />
Care in the Later Stages Workshop focusses on quality of life and end of life<br />
care for person living with dementia and support for care partners.<br />
Education for the Public that are open to anyone that would like to learn about<br />
dementia throughout Lambton County. Locations and topics change throughout<br />
the year. Can be booked for your organization. Some sessions we bring in outside<br />
guest speakers and experts on dementia care. Included in this education is<br />
Dementia Friendly Communities where you can learn how your organization<br />
can help people with dementia thrive in our community. Find Your Way program<br />
looks at safety for person living with dementia including our local Vulnerable<br />
Persons Registry with the police services.<br />
Topical Tuesdays are virtual session held weekly to help care partners to<br />
better understand dementia, improve care and care for themselves. The topic<br />
changes weekly and can be attended from the comfort of your home.<br />
TEACH® and CARERs® programs are developed by the Reitman Centre, Sinai<br />
Health Systems and our local facilitators lead this interactive group program<br />
helping care partners develop skills and strategies in care for the person living<br />
dementia.<br />
Support Groups for care partners & person living with dementia occur<br />
monthly giving and opportunity to share insights, concerns and support from<br />
peers and group facilitators. These groups are designed for the interests of the<br />
group including a support group specifically for care partners of someone with<br />
a frontotemporal dementia.<br />
Respite Services designed to provide in home activation, socialization and<br />
support for the person living with dementia as the care partner can take a break<br />
from daily care.<br />
ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAMS<br />
Minds in Motion®<br />
A social recreational program that<br />
incorporates physical and mental<br />
stimulation for people with early to<br />
middle stage dementia. This program<br />
is designed for the care partner to also<br />
take part. Options to attend virtually<br />
or in person. Thank you to Strangway<br />
Centre and Grace United Church for<br />
partnering for these sessions.<br />
Mindful Music<br />
Provides personalized music<br />
intervention to stimulate the long<br />
term memory of persons living with<br />
dementia while providing meaningful<br />
engagement, supporting self<br />
expression and identity.<br />
Forget Me Not Social Club<br />
A social networking opportunity for<br />
people living with dementia and their<br />
care partners to enjoy the company of<br />
others, and to get into the community<br />
to participate in planned activities<br />
Inspirational Moments<br />
An art based program that allows<br />
participants to access a tour of our<br />
newest exhibits and the Judith &<br />
Norman Alix Art Gallery. Explores<br />
art and conversation about specific<br />
artworks and then the groups has the<br />
opportunity to create their own art.<br />
Armchair Travelogue<br />
Sit back and enjoy traveling around<br />
the world from the comfort of your<br />
home. Virtual session take groups to<br />
different countries around the work<br />
to learn more, and discuss their new<br />
discoveries.<br />
For more information<br />
on any of our programs<br />
and services, call us at<br />
519-332-4444.<br />
Years of dedicated service from the <strong>Alzheimer</strong> Society team<br />
has meant all the difference in so many people’s lives.<br />
With admiration -<br />
Chris & Sabrina Treftlin, Shine at Home<br />
Seniors’ Home Independence Network<br />
Life is Better When<br />
You’re Home<br />
Seniors live at home -<br />
independently,<br />
comfortably & happily.<br />
In-Home Care<br />
Housekeeping<br />
Companionship<br />
Established in 2010, Shine at<br />
Home serves seniors who<br />
wish to live in full<br />
independence. Since our<br />
earliest beginnings we have<br />
learned that with just a little<br />
help, people can remain in<br />
their homes for many years<br />
safe and free in the<br />
knowledge that a dedicated<br />
team is there for them.<br />
It doesn’t matter how old you are, life is always better<br />
when you’re home. There’s a deep comfort that comes<br />
from being in familiar surroundings, sleeping in your own<br />
bed, and living under a roof that belongs to you.<br />
Call today to find out how we can help you:<br />
519-336-9898 shineathome.com<br />
alzheimersarnia.ca<br />
Page 11
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