intheloopspring2013online

Healthy Living - Positive Aging:

Fall 2012Spring 2013

Courtesy of Fountain of Health

Call a friend – it’s good for you! You may have noticed that spending time with your friends makes you feel better. Did you also know that engaging in social activities in any way is good for your brain health? Seniors who are social are at lower risk of developing dementia as they age. Research has shown that increased social contact improves cognitive performance. Social activity also reduces functional decline. Spending time with people also improves your mood – Engaging with others in your community lowers your risk of depression. Unfortunately, wishing to withdraw or avoid others is part of depression. Spending time with others and doing things you enjoy is one of the treatments for depression. Research has found that overall activity, including social activity, is associated with greater happiness and less depression. Scientists also agree having good friendships, or strong social ties, is a key ingredient to happiness, longevity, and successful aging. WHAT YOU CAN DO:Over time it can be more difficult to stay close to friends, let alone meet new people and grow new friendships. If you don’t socialize much, or feel too anxious to talk to new people, what

can you do about that? Where do you start? Here are some strategies to try if you’re ready to reconnect with friends or make some new ones:

1. HAVE A COFFEE DATE, OR GO FOR A WALK WITH A FRIEND: Call up a friend you haven’t seen in a while and invite them for coffee or tea. Spending time together will help you rekindle the energy in your friendship. If you like to walk, call up a friend to invite them to come along with you sometime. Pick a time and date that works so you both commit to it. 2. TRY CONFIDING IN SOMEONE: Let someone in your life know how you are really feeling and see where the conversation leads. When you open up more, often your family and friends will too. You can support your friends and family by giving them opportunities to share their thoughts and feelings with you.

3. GET CLOSER WITH ACQUAINTANCES: There are likely people you cross paths with regularly but don’t know very well. With a few questions, it is possible to begin to forge closer connections. Let others know you are interested in them and their lives – ask about their favourite hobbies, or just give them a genuine compliment. It’s amazing how people will open up when they feel genuine interest from you.

4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO SAY “YES”: Sometimes, the reason we’re not making new friends is that we’re staying at home and not meeting new people. Challenge yourself to say yes to every invite for a month—party invitations, book clubs, dances, card or other game nights—then try to connect with at least three new people at each gathering.

5. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOBBIES/ INTERESTS, AND JOIN A GROUP: Do something you enjoy with others. Look for social opportunities with the things you already love to do—common interests help people bond, and are a great conversation starter. Do you have a faith? Join a faith community. Like Bingo? Try at-tending a new bingo group. If you walk, take it to the next level and join a walking group. Love yoga? Go on a weekend retreat. Join a book group, or take a class in an unfamiliar subject. You never know whom you’ll meet or connect with.

6. TRY VOLUNTEERING: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make genuine connections with others. Although you will start out feeling you are just helping others, the experience will also likely end up helping you in many unexpected ways.

7. VISIT YOUR COMMUNITY CENTRE: Pick a time and date to visit your local community centre. While you are there, pick up the program schedule and talk to at least 2 people to find out more about what‘s going on in your community.

8. SHOW UP ALONE: Going to an event without a friend or significant other by your side can be a little scary but it can also encourage you to be more outgoing. Showing up alone actually makes you look more approachable and less intimidating than if you are in a group. Ease into it by meeting up with a friend at an event, but arrive 15 minutes early and try mingling with new people on your own.

9. CHANGE THINGS UP: If you usually take a morning Yoga class, switch to an evening class a few times to see some new faces. Walk the dog every morning? Take the pooch to a different dog park than usual. Have a weekly coffee date with two pals? Tell them to extend the invitation to some of their friends you haven’t met before. 10. REACH OUT TO A SENIOR YOU KNOW: You may be aware of a senior who lives alone and would benefit from social time. Many seniors feel lonely but find it difficult to ask for company. Consider taking the first step to let them know you value them by asking to visit or offering to take them out for lunch. STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? Share this article with someone, and then brainstorm ideas together on how to increase your social activities. You can also read the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors Positive Aging Directory (http://novascotia.ca/seniors/positive_aging_directory.asp) to find ideas for social activities near you!

Special thanks to Fountain of health for supplying the content for this article.

In the Loop

Healthy Living - Positive Aging (continued)

In the Loop Spring 2013

For Faye, Michael and David, respectively, these have become the focus of their particular experience with Alzheimer disease and these individuals shared their strategies for continuing to live life to the fullest at the Early Stage Forum, held last month in Halifax. This marked the first time that the Early Stage Forum was able to offer real life stories and insight for those newly diagnosed.

The poster advertising the event asks, “Are you a person with early stage dementia?” because that is the target audience

for the free Saturday morning forum held at the QEII, Victoria General Site. The annual session offers speeches, opportunities to ask questions, meaningful help and support as well as five displays presenting information and resources for participants to explore. According to Linda Bird, the Director of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, the Early Stage Forum provides an opportunity to focus on the voices of people with dementia.

Taking a journey. Being an artist. Nurturing the spirit.By Sara Jewell

In the Loop

Taking a journey. Being an artist. Nurturing the spirit. (Continued)


Kaija’s Story

Some of you may have spoken with me on the Infoline, or have seen me around the office, at events, or at the Family Caregiver Education Series sessions. My name is Kaija Whittam, and I am a MSW student at Dalhousie University. My experience doing my placement at the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia from January to the end of May has been very valuable and appreciated.

I feel truly fortunate to have gotten to know many of you and to be a part of the Alzheimer Society team. All of the staff has made me feel very welcome and included. The office has been a comfortable environment for me to develop my professional skills, my personal growth, and my understanding about dementia. I have strengthened my knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and have learned more about what is available within the community. I have also had the opportunity to par-ticipate in the Family Caregiver Education Series, the Early Stage Forum, and the Walk for Memories, all of which I found informa-tive and enjoyable.

The Society is a great place for students. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable, the environment is conducive to learning and offers a variety of experiences, and there is a wealth of resources available. I was given my own space to work and access to literature and videos on the disease.

Kaija Whittam, MSW student

“It’s an opportunity for people with dementia and their families to learn about issues important to people with a diagnosis, to network with others, to learn strategies for living well and pick up resources, and hopefully, to provide hope

to people that there is still lots of life to live.”

“It provides a sense of community,” she says. “It’s an opportunity for people with dementia and their families to learn about issues important to people with a diagnosis, to network with others, to learn strategies for living well and pick up resources, and hopefully, to provide hope to people that there is still lots of life to live.”

Bird says that the intention of the Early Stage Forum is to help reduce the stigma of having a diagnosis of dementia and to encourage people to continue living well. “With better understanding of dementia and people getting diagnosed earlier in their disease, there is a real need for more programming focusing on the person with dementia,” says Bird. That’s where the Early Stage Forum comes in. It provides a safe space for those newly diagnosed and their families and caregivers to learn more about the services and support offered by the Alzheimer Society but also to hear first-hand of the experiences of others living with dementia. This forum might be the first contact a family gets with others who already are living with the disease and with those who can provide support, information and hope at the same time. “It is often said that knowledge is the best medicine,” Bird said in her opening comments at the forum. “Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be shocking but we want everyone to go home at the end of the morning knowing there is lots of good living left to come.” The April event was the third year for the Early Stage Forum. 60 people attended, including people with dementia, family members, and staff and volunteers with the Alzheimer Society.

In the Loop

Kaija’s Story (Continued)


I had the opportunity to speak with persons with dementia, their caregivers and families, and health care professionals. When starting out I did not realize the extent of agency, strength, and abilities persons with dementia retain as the disease progresses, nor did I realize how isolating the caregiver experience can be within society. There is plenty of stigma remaining surrounding the disease, and I have felt proud to be a part of an agency working to challenge these views. I now leave the Society equipped with more understanding to continue this work in the future, and I realize I have much to

continue to learn from persons with dementia and the people in their lives. My experience at the ASNS has been rewarding and educational, and I will carry what I have learned into my future practice. Thank you to all of the staff at the Society for facilitating my progress and supporting my learning, and to the Dalhousie School of Social Work for their role in making this a positive and beneficial experience.

15,000 Reasons to Walk with a PurposeOn a beautiful, sunny day in Halifax and Sydney, friends, family members, caregivers and persons living with dementia came together in support of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.

The 21st annual Walk for Memories took place on Sunday, May 5 at Pier 21 and at Centre 200. This was the biggest year yet for the Walk for Memories, with hundreds of Nova Scotians walking in honour, celebration and remembrance of friends and family members living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. “Just as the need for community awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and knowledge of support systems available to families dealing with this illness is steadily increasing, so is the outpouring of support and community involvement in events such as the Walk For Memories.” says Sandra Kelly, Sydney Walk for Memories Committee Co-Chair. “Here, in Cape Breton, we raised more money and saw more people taking part again this year and I am always proud and honored to be a part of this heart rendering event!”

Before hitting the streets for a 5 km walk, participants educated themselves on better brain health at the “Brain Fair”, had their picture taken at the photo stop, and spoke about why they were walking with a purpose at a video booth.

Those walking at the event ranged from long-time participants to first-timers. Many have a long history living with dementia in their family, while some are just starting to learn more about a new diagnosis. Each participant or A-Team came to the walk for different reasons; but they all shared the common goal of increasing awareness for families, while raising funds to support education, information and research into finding a cure.

“The walk was a heartwarming event that allowed families and colleagues to unite to make a memory and a difference.” said

Marion Casey, who participated as part of the Shannex A-Team in Halifax.

A special thank you to all of the participants, supporters, sponsors, committee members and volunteers who made the walk such a big success.

All donations support the various programs and services that people with dementia and their families rely on across our province, as well as supporting research into

causes, treatments and cures.

Thank You!

The organizing committee and Mayor Cecil P. Clarke in Sydney

Getting ready to hit the streets in Halifax

Cheryl LalibertéCoordinator, Education and Outreach,

Colchester-Cumberland County

In the LoopIn the Loop Spring 2013

With pleasure, we welcome Cheryl Laliberté as the new part time Coordinator, Education and Outreach for Colchester- Cumberland County. Cheryl comes to this position with 18 years experience working in the health care sector and is also the Seniors Safety Coordinator for the district. In Cheryl’s new role with the Alzheimer Society, she will be connecting with community partners, spreading the word of how we can help support persons with dementia and family caregivers and looking for opportunities to grow our programs in the community.

Cheryl can be reached by calling (902) 694-7775 or by e-mail, [email protected].

Thank you to Wilson Fuels and Miriam-Wilson Foundation for supporting the creation of this position.

Our Team is Continuing to Grow!

On the South Shore, sailing vessels, famous and not, are emerging from their winter wraps and preparing to take to the waterways. It is always exciting to welcome the colourful watercrafts back to the harbours, rivers, lakes and ocean – a sure sign of spring on the shore.

As the new Coordinator of Education and Outreach, I have been sounding the call and working with the community to raise the profile of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia in the South Shore region. In the past four and a half months, I have had the privilege of talking to hundreds of people about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and listened to their concerns. I have met many individuals who were unaware of the services of the Society and have struggled quietly in their homes and communities, providing the best care they can for their family members. Change is on the wind.

I am thrilled to have been able to make connections with health professionals, service providers, businesses and others, as I look to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones that will help provide individuals with the disease and their families access to services to help them along the journey.

I have had the opportunity to host many public displays and education sessions throughout the South Shore. These events have enabled me to reach people of all ages, but mainly seniors. The South Shore is home to several towns that have the highest population of seniors in the province and a third of the seniors here have no family connections to support them as they age.

Another exciting development is the recent launching of two new Family Caregiver Education Series in the region. One in New Ross led to a new support group forming, and another is being delivered in Liverpool for the first time.

I am also pleased to announce that a new public South Shore region Facebook page is being launched to keep individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their families, service providers, businesses and members of the public in Lunenburg and Queens up to date on developments.

The Fisherman’s Prayer comes to mind as I contemplate the work ahead. “My boat is so small and the sea is so wide!” But with the involvement of many good people and communities on the South Shore, the mission of the Society will become a reality in our region.

Joan Parks-Hubley Coordinator, Education and Outreach,

South Shore Region

Hoisting the Sails for the Alzheimer Society

Find out what’s happening in the South Shore Region:

facebook.com/alzheimersocietyofnovascotiasouthshoreregion


Proceeds to support

Alzheimer Duck Derby Saturday, September 21, 2013

Sign up today! Contact Beth Jackson

at 902 422-7961 ext. 228 or [email protected]

As a volunteer sales team,

you will receive:

• A sales kit• Tools to fundraise online• A training session from the

Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia

Together, we can support families living

with dementia!

Start Your Own Duck Sales Team!

Mom would love to watch me do crafts and household chores, bake or cook meals.

My mom had Alzheimer’s disease and I was her primary caregiver for seven years. In the beginning, she could still do a lot of tasks herself. She could still iron clothes, hang clothes on the clothes-line, some hand crafts, gardening and small jobs around the house.

Cooking was the first activity that she stopped doing. She lost all aspects of putting a meal together quite suddenly, and then all her activities started to fade from her interest. I was worried she was becoming bored, but if I asked her she would say “no”. If I asked her if she wanted to paint or do any type of activity she would say “no”. I soon figured out that she did not know what I meant, and her answer of no was safe, and nothing would change if she said no.

I started by using key words with her, such as, “can you HELP me with this” or “would you LIKE TO HELP ME do this.” If I asked her to help me she always said yes, as long as I made the task manageable, she loved to help me. If I was cooking she would like to stir or mix and we often talked all the while. We would stand at the stove or kitchen counter together with one arm around each other’s waist while she stirred.

She would never start any task on her own. If I put a book of word searches in front of her, it would just sit there closed. If I asked her to look for words with me, we could do word search for an hour or so. Any task that I introduced to her by saying “do you want to do this with me?” got a yes!

Mom loved to paint so we made salt dough pieces for each occasion and she would paint sometimes for a couple of hours. She would love to pick her own colors and I would let her do whatever she wanted. I could see that she still had the creative ability but, sometimes she would just get mixed up, still the idea to let her do it on her own was best and very satisfying for her.

Cookie decorating was another activity she was very good at. She was very precise with her decorations, and again I would let her do whatever she wanted, I just had to keep the decorations in front of her so she could choose what she wanted. Most of the time we could do activities for an hour or two, and then she would become tired. I found that if I kept the project in view of her she would want to do more after a rest, and most times she would go to them herself. She would sit and look at them until I suggested that we do some more and she would willingly want to begin again.

I found that I was most successful in creating activities for mom when I let her go at her own pace, and make her own decisions. I did not take over mom’s project for her, and I always asked her if she wanted me to help her with something if she seemed stuck. She would always say “no! I can do it myself”, and she would finish it herself and be quite proud of it.


Activities with My Mom

“I started by using key words with her, such as, ‘can you HELP me with this’ or ‘would

you LIKE TO HELP ME do this.’ If I asked her to help me she always said ‘yes’, as long as I made the task manageable, she loved to

help me.”

By Vicki Goodyer


Hundreds of ducks will race . . . All Nova Scotians win.

BUY your corporate duck today.Call Beth at (902) 422-7961 ext.228

www.alzheimer.ca/ns

Coming to Halifax Harbour 09.21.2013Proceeds to support

DUCKDUCKDERBYDERBY

ALZHEIMER


Opportunity for Local Participation in Research:

Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab

160-500 University Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1V7 Ph: (416) 946-8573 Fax: (416) 946-8570 www.iatsl.org

Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers Needed!

Caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenging task. There are assistive technologies to help people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers; however, many of these are not very useful. We are looking to understand what the needs are of people with AD and their caregivers and what would make technologies more useful to them.

You are being asked to share your experiences regarding using technology while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s through a questionnaire. The questionnaire should take about 30 minutes to complete. We are looking for people who:

provide at least 7 hours/week of unpaid care to a person with Alzheimer’s,

be able to communicate, read and write fluently in English, and

are not a formally trained caregiver (e.g. registered nurse)

You can complete the questionnaire online at www.iatslsurvey.org

or via mail, phone, or in person by calling Bing at (416) 597-3422 Ext: 7910 or 1-888-220-0280

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Become a Society Member!Dear In the Loop Reader, For the past three decades families living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias have received support, information and hope because our volunteers, donors and Society members care. You can help support more families this year by becoming a member of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. For only $25 per individual or $100 per business, you will receive a full year of membership benefits. We value our members so we added some exciting new benefits this year just for you! As a Society member, you will receive:

An invitation to a special members-only event hosted by the Society State of the Society report twice a year A membership certificate (businesses only) The Society’s quarterly newsletter “In the Loop” Access to resources at the Handrahan Resource Library Reduced rates for the Provincial Conference and Research Breakfasts Notice of special events An invitation to and voting privileges at the Annual General Meeting A copy of our annual report

Did you know that membership fees help the Society deliver vital programs and services? By becoming a member today, you will help:

Fund research into finding the causes and a cure for the disease. Give caregivers access to a support group in their community. Educate families about the disease and ways to keep the brain active.

Together we can create a healthier future for Nova Scotians. Become a member today by visiting www.alzheimer.ca/ns or by filling out the reply card on the next page and sending back it to the Society. If you have any questions about becoming a member or about the Society please call us at 902 422-7961 or email [email protected]. Sincerely,

John Mullowney President, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia P.S. We value your commitment to our cause. For more information about the Society visit www.alzheimer.ca/ns

□ YES, I want to become a Society member and help families in Nova Scotia

□ Individual Membership $25 □ Business Membership $100 □ New Member □ Renewal

Name:

Organization:

Address:

Postal Code:

E-mail:

Phone: Fax:

City/Town: Province:

Please charge my: □ VISA □ MasterCard

Please make cheque/money order payable to: Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia 112-2717 Gladstone Street Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 0A4

□ Please send me information on how a gift in my will can make a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Cardholder Name: Card Number: Expiry Date: Signature:

□ I will pay my 2013/2014 Membership fee by: Enclosed Cheque, Money Order or Cash

CHARITABLE REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10670 5379 RR0001


Notice of Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Saint Mary’s University Sobey Building, Unilever Lounge

923 Robie Street Halifax, Nova Scotia

5:30 p.m. Evening reception with hors d’oeuvres

6:00 p.m. Guest Speakers - Celebrating our 30 year history Dr. John Gray, Co-Founder of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia

John O’Keefe, President (2001-2003) Chris Wilson, Incoming President

6:40 p.m. Annual General MeetingOpening of the MeetingConfirmation of QuorumApproval of the agenda

Approval of minutes of 2012 AGM Observation of moment of silence

President’s report Executive Director’s report

Approval of the 2012-2013 Audited Financial StatementsAppointment of Auditors

Nominating Committee Report Presentation of Phyllis Horton Research Bursary

7:30 p.m. Adjournment

30Providing

years of HELP & HOPE


The Society receives no core government funding and relies totally on the support of the community. Should you wish to help make a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians impacted by Alzheimer’s, please contact us today to make a donation, or to find out about the many other ways through which you can help.

Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia 2717 Gladstone Street, Suite 112, Halifax, NS B3K 0A4(902) 422-7961 or 1-800-611-6345 (outside Metro) www.alzheimer.ca/ns

We can help. Currently, there are over 15,000 Nova Scotians living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is here to help make the journey a little bit easier.

Information

Caregiver Support Groups:The Society promotes the value of mutual support through its

province-wide network of caregiver support groups.

These confidential groups

provide an opportunity to learn more about

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, discuss difficult

issues, and strategies for coping.

Family Caregiver Education Series:

This six-part series is for family members of persons who have recently been diagnosed with

Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

Families learn about the symp-toms of dementia, treatment

options, coping strategies, issues to consider for planning ahead

and community resources. Families that are well informed are better able to make choices that fit their needs. This series is available on an ongoing basis

throughout the province.

Support

Public Education: Each year, we host a Provincial

Conference for Health Care Workers, and hold informative Family and Friends nights, and

Early Stage Forums for the public in Halifax and Sydney.

The Society provides education

sessions to groups and organizations. Topics include

various issues related to Alzheimer’s disease or other

dementias and can be tailored to your group.

Education

Resources: The Society offers a complete selection of Alzheimer Society

fact sheets and brochures.Handrahan Resource Library: We

have a collection of books and videos on Alzheimer’s disease

and other dementias available for lending for three

week periods.

Provincial Library Partnership: We have partnered with the

Nova Scotia Provincial Library and its branches to make it

easier to access information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in your community.

Alzheimer InfoLine: We provide information on is-

sues related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,

listen to and discuss your questions and concerns, and

provide referral to programs and resources in your community. People with dementia, their

families and partners in care are invited to call.

Toll free: 1-800-611-6345

[email protected]

www.alzheimer.ca/nsFor current information on

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Society programs, and up-to-date research news.