January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about dementia and remind families that support is available in their communities. Steph Ouellet, CEO of the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, says the need for awareness is growing as dementia rates continue to rise across Ontario and Canada.
Ontario expects to see a 200 per cent increase in dementia cases between now and 2050. Ouellet hopes by raising awareness residents will learn that support is available across our region.
He says stigma often delays people from seeking help, especially when dementia is mistaken for normal aging.
Unfortunately, this disease affects not only the person living with dementia, but also their care partners. The impact can be significant, often placing a heavy emotional and physical burden on those caring for a loved one. For this reason the Alzheimer Society supports both people living with dementia and their care partners through counselling, education, support groups, and recreation programs.
One example is a social program for people in the early stages of dementia. It offers weekly three-hour sessions with cognitive, physical, and creative activities that help participants stay engaged and feel connected. As Ouellet explains, the program also provides indirect support for caregivers.
People do not need a diagnosis to reach out. “No door is the wrong door,” he said.
The organization serves Oxford, Elgin, and London-Middlesex, supporting an estimated 15,000 people living with dementia. In May the Walk for Alzheimer’s is a national fundraising event that brings communities together in support of people living with dementia. This year, local walks are planned in Woodstock, Tillsonburg, St. Thomas, and London. More information is available at Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners
Written by: J. Hall