|
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is dedicated to helping people with dementia
|
| Having trouble viewing this email? View as a webpage. |
 |
 |
September marks World Alzheimer's Month, a vital time to spark meaningful conversations about dementia, amplify awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding people living with dementia. One way you can help make a change in September is by volunteering to be one of our support group facilitators. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. seeks dedicated volunteers who are not currently caregiving to lead our in-person and virtual support groups for at least one year. As a facilitator, you will create a safe and supportive environment for people affected by dementia, making a significant difference in their lives.
To learn more about how you can volunteer with us, click here.
As a part of our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, our offices at the First Link® Dementia Helpline will be closed on September 30 to observe the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
If you need dementia support, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (English), 1-833-674-5007 (Cantonese and Mandarin) or 1-833-674-5003 (Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu).
Read on to learn about both virtual and in-person programming taking place this month in the Northern Interior, Northwest and Northeast.
|
|
Targeted strategies for word salad, wanting to go home and more | Dementia affects how a person conveys their thoughts and feelings; common behaviours can include mixing up words (word salad) and creating false memories without motivation (confabulation) which can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations. Learn how to address these behaviours and respond to other questions, like wanting to go home and asking about deceased relatives. For caregivers.
Prince George: Location provided upon registration
Tuesday, September 10 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Family caregiver session | An education session for family members who are caring for a person living with dementia that covers understanding dementia, communication and behaviour, as well as planning for the future and self-care for caregivers.
Topics include:
• Understanding dementia (types, causes, progression)
• Communication and behaviour (e.g. repetitive questions, confusion)
• Planning for the future
• Self-care.
For caregivers.
Prince George: Location provided upon registration
Tuesday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration: For more information and to register, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033. Please register one week prior to the education session or the session may be cancelled. Masks and proof of vaccination are now optional for attending in-person programs. To learn more about safety protocols, visit alzbc.org/COVID-safety.
Understanding and adapting to communication changes along the dementia journey | A person’s ability to communicate will change over the course of the dementia journey. Learn how different types of dementia affect communication and discuss strategies for adapting to and coping with these changes. For caregivers.
Tuesday, September 3 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Click here to register
Understanding behaviour changes | Explore various changes in behaviours caused by dementia and learn practical strategies for responding in supportive ways. For caregivers.
Thursday, September 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Click here to register
For more information: Sessions are free to attend. For more information, call our First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-933-6033 or visit alzbc.org/edu-workshops.
Accessing dementia services and support | Navigating health-care systems and looking for support services can be overwhelming. Learn about community supports – including home care, respite and adult day programs – as well as how to address challenges in accessing them. For caregivers.
Wednesday, September 4 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register
Enhancing your visits with a person in long-term care | Providing a sense of comfort and social support are some of the ways to help a person in long-term care to adjust to their new environment. Explore visiting tips and activity ideas so you can make the most out of the visits. For caregivers.
Wednesday, September 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register
How does living with dementia affect your financial health? | Now that you are living with dementia or suspect dementia, what are the conversations you should be having with your Financial Advisor? Your income needs may change due to higher care expenses, potentially impacting your Old Age Security payments. Or you may want to reduce the financial risk of your investments. Ensure you and your Financial Advisor have the proper safeguards in place to protect your wishes in the future. Join us as we walk through real-life scenarios of the good, the bad and the ugly. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Wednesday, September 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register
Research connects: Topic TBA | Join us as we explore various topics related to dementia research. In order to be as responsive as possible to the latest news in dementia research, the specific topic will be announced closer to the date. For the general public.
Wednesday, September 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register
For more information: Sessions are free to attend. To watch recorded videos from previous webinars, visit our website at alzbc.org/webinars.
If you are affected by dementia, you are not alone. There are others to share the journey with you. We currently offer in-person and virtual support groups for caregivers and groups for people living with early symptoms of dementia. Learn, laugh and help others through mutual understanding. Video and telephone options are available.
Please note: Due to the high level of interest in our support groups for people living with dementia and caregivers, we are only listing groups with space for new members. If you're interested in joining a support group but you do not see one for your area, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline.
For a listing of upcoming support groups, including specialized groups, click here.
Registration: In-person and virtual support groups are ongoing sessions and meet monthly. Once you have registered for the group, you are not required to register for the following sessions. Regular attendance is encouraged. For more information or to register, contact the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 or by email at info.helpline@alzheimerbc.org.
Register for an online session
- Every second Thursday, 11 a.m. to noon
- Registration: Please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
Register for an online session
- Tuesdays: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Thursdays: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Fridays: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Registration: Sessions are free to attend and hosted on Zoom. For more information and to register, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
Join our election townhall: what will politicians do for you?
As we approach the election, we know that people living with dementia and those who support them will be looking to political parties to take action on dementia.
On September 23, join our CEO, Jen Lyle, lived experience advocate, Jim Mann, and representatives from each political party in B.C. for a special election Town Hall from 12 to 1:30 p.m. as we explore what each party will do for dementia care. Questions for the panelists can be submitted in advance upon registering.
Register here
To learn more about our campaign and other ways to get involved this election, visit BCVotesDementia.ca.
Reimagining Bereavement
We are only beginning to grasp the experience of grief during times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This study looks to identify the unique challenges and needs of community-dwelling older adults and aging families to better support the bereavement process. If you are 65 years and older, live in the community (i.e., in your own home), and have experienced the death of a family member between March and December 2020 and would like to share your bereavement experience in a one-on-one interview, please contact Simon Fraser University PhD Candidate, Sam Teichman at steichma@sfu.ca. Learn more.
Sleep Health Equity Engagement Project (SHEEP)
What matters most for getting a good night sleep? This national research study is specifically targeting equity-deserving groups who feel that their health concerns are not being heard. If you’d like to join the SHEEP steering committee as a person affected by dementia and who also has access to the internet to join virtual meetings, please reach out to sleep.engage@ubc.ca. Learn more.
DemSCAPE
Developing knowledge mobilization strategies to create dementia-inclusive spaces: This portion of the DemSCAPE study is looking to assess the accessibility of streets in your city. If you’re someone living with mild to moderate dementia or is caring for someone living with mild to moderate dementia and would like to share your experiences, please reach out to SFU PhD Candidate, Kishore at kseethar@sfu.ca. Learn more.
|
Regards,
The First Link® Team
Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Northern Interior, Northwest & Northeast
302 - 1811 Victoria Street
Prince George, B.C. V2L 2L6
Phone: 250-564-7533 / Toll-free: 1-866-564-7533 
|
You're receiving this email because you are connected to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. We are committed to protecting your personal information. Please visit our website for more details. We respectfully acknowledge that the Alzheimer Society of B.C. operates on the unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous peoples around the province. Our provincial office is located on the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, with regional resource centres located on traditional territories in all regions of B.C. Our vision for a dementia-friendly province – where people living with dementia and their caregivers are welcomed, included and supported – will only be possible through ensuring that everyone living on these territories has access to support that is culturally-safe, barrier-free and free from racism.
|
|
Alzheimer Society of B.C.
300-828 W. 8th Avenue,
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1E2
Charitable registration number:
11878 4891 RR0001
|
Phone: 604-681-6530
Toll-free: 1-800-936-6033
Fax: 604-669-6907
Email: info@alzheimerbc.org |
|
Alzheimer Society of B.C. © 2025 All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
