The Wellness in Wallaceburg Educational Campaign spotlights services provided by local organizations in your community that are working to improve your health and wellbeing. This week’s spotlight is on The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent (ASCK).
What services do you provide?
The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent, provides supports and services to improve the quality of life of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias through superior programs and research. Services provided by the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent include:
– First Link®
– First Link® Learning Series
– Behavioural Supports Ontario
– Individual and Group Counselling
– Support Groups
– Cognitive Testing
– Day Programs
– In-Home Respite Care Program
– Education Programs
– MedicAlert® Safely Home®
– Finding Your Way™
– In Home Mobility Monitor
Who can access your services and is there a cost?
Any individual with questions about dementia, and/or are concerned they may have dementia, have been diagnosed, or are caring for someone with dementia are able to access services. There is no cost for counselling and education. There is a fee for the Day Programs as well as In-Home Respite Care which is partially funded by the Ministry of Health.
How do people access your services?
Direct referrals can be made by physicians and allied healthcare professionals by utilizing First Link® program, however, anyone including self-referrals can be made by contacting the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent.
What is the future direction of services in Wallaceburg area?
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias affect over 750,000 Canadians, or 15% of Canadians over the age of 65. In Chatham-Kent there are approximately 2,033 people affected. By the year 2020 that number is expected to increase by 13% to 2261 individuals.
With this increase in people with dementia, the Alzheimer Society Day Programs located in Wallaceburg and Chatham continues to expand their programs. Some of these programs include: The iPod program, VON smart exercise program, VON nursing service as well as assisting with community outreach projects.
Increasing education and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias within the community as well as the supports and services available will assist in supporting the needs of our community.
What’s the best advice you can give to people to help them stay well?
Early diagnosis of dementia helps people live better and allows them to make important decisions about future needs. Early diagnosis facilitates early treatment, support and education. Contacting the Alzheimer’s Society to receive supports throughout the progression of the disease improves the quality of life of the person with dementia and their caregiver.
It is important to reduce your risk by keeping our brains healthy. Eat a healthy diet. Do more physical activity. Challenge your brain. Stay connected with family and friends. Quit smoking. Keep your diabetes and blood pressure in check.
Events at the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent
To show your support locally please joins us for the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent’s annual Walk for Memories.
The event will take place on Saturday, March 7th, 2015 and will be located at theDowntown Chatham Centre from 9:30am-12:00pm. Call 519-352-1043.
First Link Learning Series is an ongoing progressive learning series for families and friends of people with dementia. Each course builds upon the other to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, resources and support systems. If you are interested in attending please call the Alzheimer Society at 519-352-1043.
Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA): GPA is an innovative education curriculum that is currently being offered to all staff in care organizations throughout Ontario and other areas with Certified Coaches. Participants attend a daylong seminar which addresses assessing and responding to communication and behaviours associated with dementia in multidisciplinary settings. If you are interested in attending please call the Alzheimer Society at 519-352-1043.
Education and public awareness programs have been developed to assist with the distribution of information to both professional health care providers and the general public. If anyone is interested in having an education session please call the Alzheimer Society at 519-352-1043.
