Alzheimer’s Awareness month: A Call to Action for Dementia Support and Education
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January marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time when communities across Canada come together to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. The Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & districts is leading the charge in the region, offering a variety of workshops, booths, and resource displays to educate the public and provide much-needed support.“Supporting people living with dementia,and their care partners,is a really crucial part of what we do,” emphasizes Erin Celebre,the public education coordinator with the Alzheimer Society.
The Growing Need for Dementia Support
Dementia is a pressing issue in Canada, with Alzheimer’s Canada estimating that over half a million Canadians are currently affected by the disease. Shockingly, one in five Canadians has experienced caring for someone living with dementia. despite thes staggering numbers, there remains a significant stigma surrounding the disease.
“stigmatizing attitudes against dementia misrepresent the realities of the disease and diminish the experiences of people living with dementia, families, and caregivers,” notes Alzheimer’s Canada. Additionally, many long-term care homes and hospitals are ill-equipped to meet the unique needs of those living with dementia, further exacerbating the challenges faced by families.
For those in the Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts region, the alzheimer Society is stepping up to bridge this gap.
Upcoming Workshops and Sessions
Throughout January, the Alzheimer Society is hosting a series of free workshops designed to educate and empower individuals affected by dementia.
- Introduction to Dementia and Communication: This session will take place on January 13 at 140 King Street West, North Bay, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required due to limited space.
- Dementia Learning Series: Held at The Empire, 425 Fraser Street, North Bay, these sessions will run on january 15, 22, and 29 from 10 a.m. to noon.
These workshops are an excellent possibility for caregivers and family members to gain valuable insights into dementia care and communication strategies.
alzheimer’s Awareness Booths and Displays
Along with workshops, the Alzheimer Society is setting up awareness booths across the region. These booths provide a chance for the public to learn more about the programs and services offered by the association.
Here’s a rapid summary of the booth locations and times:
| Date | Location | Time |
|—————–|———————————-|——————–|
| January 14 | North Bay Mall, North Bay | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| January 21 | West Nipissing Public Library, Sturgeon Falls | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| January 28 | Au chateau, Sturgeon Falls | 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| January 30 | Wellwise, North Bay | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
No registration is required for these booths—simply stop by during the posted hours to learn more.
Resource Displays for Easy Access
For those unable to attend workshops or booths, the Alzheimer Society is also creating resource displays at various locations.Starting January 20, displays will be available at:
- East Ferris Public library, Astorville
- North Bay Public library
- 250 Clark, Powassan
These displays are packed with information about dementia and the services available to support those affected by the disease.
A Call to Action
The Alzheimer Society’s efforts during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month are a testament to their commitment to improving the lives of those living with dementia and their caregivers. However, the fight against dementia requires collective action.
If you or someone you know is affected by dementia, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Alzheimer society of sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts. Visit their information and to register for upcoming sessions.
Together, we can break the stigma, enhance care, and create a more supportive surroundings for those living with dementia.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Breaking the Stigma: A Conversation on Dementia Support and Education During alzheimer’s Awareness Month
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to focus on the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.In the Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts region, the Alzheimer Society is taking notable steps to educate the public and provide support through workshops, awareness booths, and resource displays. To shed light on these efforts, we sat down with Dr. Laura Bennett, a dementia care specialist and advocate, to discuss the importance of breaking the stigma and enhancing dementia care.
The growing Need for Dementia Support
Senior Editor: Dr. Bennett, thank you for joining us. Dementia is a growing concern in Canada, with over half a million Canadians affected. What are the biggest challenges families and caregivers face today?
Dr.Laura bennett: Thank you for having me. One of the most significant challenges is the stigma surrounding dementia. Many people still hold misconceptions about the disease, which can lead to isolation for those living with dementia and their caregivers.Additionally, many long-term care homes and hospitals are not fully equipped to meet the unique needs of individuals with dementia, which places a heavier burden on families.
Senior Editor: That’s a critical point. How can communities better support those affected by dementia?
Dr. Laura Bennett: Education is key.By raising awareness and providing resources, we can definitely help communities understand the realities of dementia.Initiatives like the Alzheimer Society’s workshops and awareness booths are excellent examples of how we can empower caregivers and families with the knowledge they need to provide better care.
upcoming Workshops and Sessions
Senior Editor: Speaking of workshops, the Alzheimer Society is hosting several free sessions this month.Can you tell us more about these opportunities?
Dr. laura Bennett: Absolutely. The workshops are designed to address critical aspects of dementia care, such as communication strategies and understanding the disease. Such as, the Introduction to Dementia and Communication session on January 13 will help caregivers learn how to effectively communicate with their loved ones. The Dementia Learning Series, running on January 15, 22, and 29, will provide deeper insights into managing dementia-related challenges.
Senior Editor: These sound incredibly valuable. Who should attend these workshops?
Dr. Laura Bennett: Anyone who is caring for someone with dementia or wants to learn more about the disease should attend. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these workshops offer practical tools and strategies that can make a real difference in daily caregiving.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Booths and Displays
Senior Editor: In addition to workshops, the Alzheimer Society is setting up awareness booths across the region. What can people expect from these booths?
Dr. Laura Bennett: The awareness booths are a fantastic way for the public to learn more about dementia and the resources available. They’ll be set up at locations like the North Bay Mall and the West Nipissing Public library, offering details about the Alzheimer Society’s programs and services. It’s a great chance for people to ask questions and connect with experts.
Senior Editor: And for those who can’t attend the booths or workshops, ther are resource displays, right?
Dr. Laura Bennett: Yes, starting January 20, resource displays will be available at libraries and community centers. These displays are packed with information about dementia care and the support services offered by the alzheimer Society. They’re an excellent option for people who want to learn at their own pace.
A Call to Action
Senior Editor: Dr. Bennett, what message would you like to leave our readers with as we observe Alzheimer’s Awareness Month?
Dr. Laura Bennett: My message is simple: don’t face dementia alone.Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or someone living with dementia, there are resources and support available.Reach out to the alzheimer Society, attend a workshop, or visit an awareness booth. Together, we can break the stigma, improve care, and create a more supportive environment for everyone affected by dementia.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Bennett, for your insights and for the important work you’re doing to support those affected by dementia.
Dr. Laura Bennett: Thank you for the opportunity to share this message. Let’s continue to work together to make a difference.
For more information about the Alzheimer Society’s programs and upcoming events, visit their website.
