The Alzheimer Society is the leading, nationwide health organization for people affected by any kind of dementia in Canada. The Society provides care and support to people with the disease, their families and their caregivers, and is a principal funder of Alzheimer research. Active in more than 140 communities across Canada, the Society has a chapter for every Canadian who needs their services. It is also a prominent voice within all levels of government urging government officials to develop a national strategy on dementia, and a key player in Alzheimer Disease International, an organization at the forefront of world wide efforts to fight dementia.
Dementia affects approximately 500,000 Canadians or 1 in every 13 people over the age of 65. There are 170,000 people in Ontario with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, almost all of them are seniors, 2800 of them live in Wellington County. Since age is the primary factor, this number is expected to spike in the next five years as the baby-boomers become seniors. Almost two thirds of them will be women. If you, or someone you know is affected, please call your local society. There is no charge for their services and no referral is necessary. The Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington can be reached at 519-836-7672.
The Society works hard to meet the needs of everyone touched by dementia, by providing both individual and group support for caregivers and persons with dementia, the Safely Home Wandering Registry, a volunteer companion program, education and information sessions, and it has a resource library of videos and books.
Dementia – most of it caused by Alzheimer’s disease – threatens to bankrupt Ontario’s health care system. We need to support research stop the disease, and programs to support those affected. You can help with this just by drinking a cup of coffee.
September is Coffee Break® Month. Coffee Break® is one of two annual major fundraisers for the Alzheimer Society. Your support at one of the many Coffee Break® events in the area will help The Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington to continue to offer its services at no cost to people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, their caregivers and their families, for as long as they are needed. One such event will take place in Fergus at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Wednesday Sept. 15 between 2 to 5pm. You are all invited to attend.
The needs are huge. Today most Ontarians are aware of dementia but unaware of the benefits of early diagnosis or ways to lessen the risk. The capacity of our primary care providers needs to be increased so that they are able to recognize, diagnose, and treat people with dementia more effectively. 62% of those living in Ontario’s long-term care homes have dementia yet less than 10% of workers in these homes have had specialized dementia care training. Access to respite support and quality care is essential for caregivers yet less than 10% of caregivers get the necessary basic support. Increased research into the cause, treatment and potential cure for dementia should be a national and provincial health care priority.
You can make a difference by joining us for a cup of coffee on Sept. 15.
