Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Dementia dialogues: Personhood | Explore strategies to assist individuals living with early symptoms of dementia in capturing their personal stories. Create materials to take home with you that can be used in a variety of care settings. For both the person living with early symptoms of dementia and their caregiver.
Victoria: Two Wednesdays, January 8 and January 15, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Alzheimer Resource Centre, 202 – 306 Burnside Road West

Accessing services | Learn about community supports like home care and adult day programs, as well as how to address challenges and work with health-care providers if you are caring for someone living with dementia.
Victoria: Friday, January 17, from 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Alzheimer Resource Centre, 202 – 306 Burnside Road West

Grieving losses during the dementia journey | Grief is a natural process involved in loss. Explore the grief and loss issues experienced by caregivers during the dementia journey. There will be time for participants to consider suggestions for coping with their losses throughout the stages of dementia.
Victoria: Thursday, January 23, 10 a.m. – noon
Hillside Seniors Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue

Dementia friends | We all have a role in making our community dementia friendly. Learn about dementia and how you can help people living with dementia feel included and supported.
Sidney: Friday, January 24, from 1 – 3 p.m.
SHOAL, 10030 Resthaven Drive
Salt Spring Island: Wednesday, January 29, from 1 – 3 p.m.
Salt Spring Seniors Services Society, 379 Lower Ganges Road

Transition to long-term care | A session for family members who are considering long-term care for someone living with dementia. Learn how to access long-term care, approach decision-making, and prepare for the transition.
Victoria: Thursday, January 30, from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Alzheimer Resource Centre, 202 – 306 Burnside Road West

Registration
Sessions are free to attend; donations appreciated. Pre-registration is required and programs with low registration will be cancelled.

Minds in Motion^®

A fitness and social program for people with any form of early stage dementia along with a family member, friend or other care partner. Gentle exercises are followed by social activities designed to be enjoyed in pairs. Coffee, tea and light refreshments are provided. Care partners must attend. Start at any time and pay a pro-rated registration fee.

Colwood: Five Wednesdays, January 15 – February 12, from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Highway
Registration: $35 per couple for five weeks. To register, drop by the reception desk at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre or call 250-478-8384.

Saanich: Five Tuesdays, January 14 – February 11, from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
Registration: $25 per couple for five weeks. To register, drop by the reception desk at Pearkes Recreation Centre or call 250-475-5400.

Esquimalt: Five Wednesdays, January 15 – February 12, from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street
Registration: $40 per couple for five weeks. To register, drop by the reception desk at Esquimalt Recreation Centre or call 250-412-8500.

Sidney: Six Thursdays, January 9 – February 13, from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
SHOAL Activity Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive
Registration: $38 per couple for six weeks. To register, drop by the reception desk at SHOAL or call 250-656-5537.

Seeking volunteers

The First Link^® Dementia Helpline Volunteers needed - Victoria Resource Centre
Gain experience volunteering in the health and social services field, receive one-to-one training and make a difference in the lives of people on the dementia journey by answering calls on the First Link^® Dementia Helpline. The role requires a 3.5-hour commitment each week and extensive training is provided. To learn more, call Colleen Cahoon at 778-746-2021 or email ccahoon@alzheimerbc.org. You can also apply directly at alzbc.org/volunteer.

Office and administrative volunteers needed - Victoria Resource Centre
Looking to make a difference in your community? The Alzheimer Society of B.C. needs an office and administrative volunteer with excellent attention to detail and organization skills. The ongoing administrative role includes reception, workshop registration and data tracking. The role requires a commitment of 3 hours per week for a minimum of one year. To volunteer or for more information, contact Matt Brooks at 604-681-6530 or email volunteer@alzheimerbc.org.

Support groups

If you are affected by dementia, you are not alone. There are others to share the journey with you. We offer support groups for care partners and for people living with early-stage dementia. Learn, laugh and help others through mutual understanding. Contact us or refer to the First Link^® Bulletin to see the support groups in your community.

Regards,
The First Link^® Team

Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Victoria Resource Centre
200 – 306 Burnside Road West
Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1M1
Phone: 250-382-2052 Fax: 250-382-8108