September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an opportunity to talk about dementia to help reduce the stigma that still exists. Throughout the month, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is encouraging Manitobans to learn the signs of dementia and understand the importance of getting a diagnosis.
“World Alzheimer’s Month is important because the more we talk about dementia, the more comfortable people are in reaching out to us for support, “explains Jessica Harper, Senior Manager of the First Link Client Support program. “We know it’s not easy to take that first step.”
Currently in Manitoba, more than 19,600 Manitobans have dementia, and this number is growing each day. You are not alone. The Alzheimer Society can connect you with a community of support including one-to-one counselling, dementia-friendly programming, support groups and information to help improve your quality of life and better navigate the changes ahead.
By seeking a dementia diagnosis early, you can better understand what to expect and take control of your situation.
“We encourage you to talk to your doctor about the signs or symptoms you’re experiencing,” says Jessica Harper, Client Support Senior Manager at the Alzheimer Society. “No matter what you are feeling, the staff at the Alzheimer Society are here for you.”
The Alzheimer Society walks alongside clients as they initiate and navigate conversations with physicians and other healthcare professionals, preparing them for what to expect and how to best communicate their concerns.
The Society’s staff and volunteers are here to provide meaningful support and information to help families make informed decisions about the future.
“It’s so important to have conversations early on about personal, medical, financial and legal decisions,” Jessica says. “We can help empower you to make some difficult decisions that will put your mind at ease.”
This fall, the Alzheimer Society has a full slate of programs and events to get clients and families out into the community, offering fun social activities that provide an opportunity to connect with others going through a similar experience.
Below are some of the Alzheimer Society’s programs taking place this fall:
- Family Education sessions: Register today for upcoming online education sessions covering a wide range of caregiving topics while providing information about the progression of dementia.
- Support Groups: Learn more about dementia, share ideas and connect with others who understand by joining a support group. There are a variety of in-person and virtual groups to choose from for both people living with dementia and care partners.
- Minds in Motion®: Join this weekly fitness and recreation program designed for people living with early to moderate signs of dementia to enjoy getting out in the community with a family member or friend.
- Dementia-friendly Community Programs: Choose from a variety of exciting activities designed for people living with early to moderate signs of dementia to attend with a family member, friend or care partner. The fall lineup includes programming at Assiniboine Park Zoo, FortWhyte Alive, Dalnavert Museum, The Leaf and more.
- Public Research Forum: Discover some of the latest advancements in dementia research from three local researchers at the Society’s Spotlight on Local Research: Connecting the Dots event on September 19 from 6 – 7:30 pm at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain. Live-streaming viewing parties are also taking place at participating Alzheimer Society locations throughout the province.
- Care4u Family Conference: Learn the latest on caregiving strategies and community resources on Saturday, October 19 at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, from 9 am – 3:30 pm. This year’s theme is, “Building Confidence for Day-to-Day Care.”
Learn more about how to register for these programs and events at alzheimer.mb.ca.
If you need support, call the Alzheimer Society today at 204-943-6622 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-378-6699 (in Manitoba). Their caring staff will listen to where you are at and provide you with the right resources to fit your specific circumstances.
“We’ll talk about available resources, support groups, education opportunities and other programming. And sometimes we just listen because that’s all you need in that moment,” explains Harper.
