Local Program Challenges Community to Participate in Alzheimer’s Learning Day

Mississauga Area Senior Care Experts Encourage Residents to Undergo Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training

By 2038, it is estimated that 1.13 million Canadians will suffer from dementia, up from approximately 500,000 that currently have some form of it.  As the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia grows, so, too, will the need for communities to adapt and become more accessible to those living with dementia-related diseases.

This September, as part of World Alzheimer’s Month, the Home Instead Senior Care^® network is on a mission to educate Canadians about Alzheimer’s by encouraging individuals to pledge to learn more about the disease and how to respectfully and compassionately interact with those who live with it. On Alzheimer’s Learning  Day, September 26, 2017, Home Instead Senior Care invites people from Mississauga to participate in two free live training webinars featuring leading experts in Alzheimer’s and dementia care to better respond to the needs of individuals living with the condition.

“With our increasing aging population, it is likely that every Canadian will be touched by Alzheimer’s at some point, whether it’s through a family member, neighbour, friend or customer,” said Greg Bechard, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Mississauga. “It’s critical that we learn how to interact effectively and considerately with those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in order to create an environment that is as supportive as possible.”

Home Instead’s Alzheimer’s Learning Day hopes to help improve the quality of life for those living with the disease and their caregivers. Among Canadians aged 45 or older in private households, an estimated 109,500 had a diagnosis of dementia, and among those with dementia, 85 per cent relied, at least in part, on family, friends or neighbours for assistance^[2].

The commitment to learn more about Alzheimer’s and other dementias is one that we all should make. To do so, here are five steps you can take:

1. Learn the symptoms. Visit http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.ca/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/symptoms-and-stages/ to learn more about the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
2. Read an article about Alzheimer’s. Articles about Alzheimer’s can be found at http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.ca/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/guide/.
3. Watch and share the “I Will Remember You” videoat http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.ca/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/capturing-memories/video/.
4. Take an E-Learning Class. Visit http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.ca/alzheimers-dementia-education/to find an online Alzheimer’s and dementia class that interests you.
5. Spread the word. Take the Home Instead Alzheimer’s Learning Day pledge and share on your social media channels why you are participating.

“Caring for someone with dementia is more than a full-time job, and can lead to health, social and financial consequences for caregivers,” said Dr. Janet Fast, professor in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta. “By understanding dementia, we can better support these caregivers through difficult times and reduce the stigma and social isolation associated with the disease.”

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care’s Alzheimer’s Learning Day and tips for respectfully interacting with someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, please visit AlzLearn.ca or call 905-276-2273.