Are you struggling to figure out your next steps? Our First Link® Client Support team is here to listen and help guide you through difficult times – from when you are concerned about your own, a family member or a friend’s memory, right through to the later symptoms of dementia. Call us today at 204-943-6622/1-800-378-6622 or fill out our online form and we will reach out to you.
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2024 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
REGISTER NOW & WALK WITH US THIS MAY & JUNE!
Winnipeg Walk
Saturday, May 25th at 10am
Assiniboine Park, Lyric Theatre
Walk Agenda:
10 am – Check-in
10:45 am – Warm-up
11 am – Walk begins!
12 pm – Lunch
Host: Ace Burpee, 103.1 Virgin Radio
Check out the official Walk website for more details and to register.
OTHER WALKS TO JOIN THIS YEAR:
- Steinbach
Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30 pm
AD Penner Park - Brandon
Thursday, June 6 at 5:30 pm
Riverbank Discovery Centre - Selkirk
Thursday, June 13 at 5:30 pm
Gordon Howard Centre
SHARE YOUR STORY!
Share your story about why you’re walking on social media throughout April and May! By doing so, you’ll encourage those around you to register and donate. Plus, it helps families feel less alone in their dementia journey.
Tag us on our social media accounts and use the hashtag #IGWalkforAlz so we can be there to cheer you on!
- Facebook: @AlzheimerSocietyManitoba
- Instagram: @Alzheimermb
- X (formerly Twitter): @AlzheimerMB
- LinkedIn: Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
- Hashtag: #IGWalkforAlz
Let’s inspire each other and show our support for families affected by dementia in Manitoba. Together, we can make a difference!
Call for New Board Member!
An Exciting Leadership Opportunity
The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba needs you! We are looking for a qualified candidate for our Board of Directors and are encouraging people from all over Manitoba with diverse backgrounds and experience to apply.
Candidates will have:
• Ability and eagerness to review and if necessary, adjust/reset the Society’s values and vision
• Big picture, future-oriented thinking
• Willingness to create and initiate rather than approve
• Moral courage
• Willingness to contribute to a disciplined, high-performance, trustworthy and ethical team
• Willingness to delegate operational detail to others
If you think you’d be a good fit, view our Board Member Call to learn more about the position and how to apply.
The application deadline is April 19, 2024.
It’s National Caregiver Day
Tuesday, April 2 is National Caregiver Day – a day to celebrate and honour Canadian carers. Care partners play an integral role in the dementia journey and we recognize their commitment to providing care despite the many challenges they may have faced. Thank you for everything you do!
And to all those who know someone in a caregiving role, remember to reach out and check in.
Back in January, we highlighted a few care partners as part of our awareness campaign. Take a moment to read their stories and learn about their experiences caring for someone living with dementia.
GARY is a care partner for his wife, Brenda, who lives with dementia. He says:
“The Society helped me be able to separate Brenda from her disease, which was a real eye-opener.”
Read Gary’s story here.
You can also read a letter written by Gary, explaining his wife’s dementia to his grandchildren.
KEN is a care partner for his wife Brenda, who was diagnosed with young-onset dementia. He says:
“Attending the support groups has helped me tremendously. It’s so refreshing to walk into a space and just know you’re understood.”
Read Ken’s story here.
MARGARET is a care partner for her husband Keith, who lives with vascular dementia. She says:
“Don’t be afraid to ask others for help – you don’t have to do it on your own.”
Read Margaret’s story here.
JESSICA is a care partner for her mother. She says:
“Try to find that support, someone or somewhere you can share without judgement. The Alzheimer Society is a great place to start.”
Read Jessica’s story here.
Our First Link Client Support Team is here to help all people living with dementia and care partners. If you’re facing caregiving challenges or need support, call us anytime at 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg) / 1-800-378-6622 (Manitoba) or email alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca. You can also fill out our online form and we’ll reach out to you.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
Claire & Tracker, 2019 Walk
April 14 – 20 is National Volunteer Week and we want to give a shoutout to all of our amazing volunteers. With the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s just around the corner, we’d like to give a special thanks to all the people who volunteer their time to make the Walk possible – including Claire Giavedoni!
Claire’s been volunteering with us for many years and was one of our photographers at last year’s Walk. Her bright smile, positive spirit and willingness to lend a hand make her a wonderful contribution to our Walk crew.
“Volunteering for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba for the last 15 years has allowed me to give back to a cause close to my heart,” Claire says. “It started when my Granny was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and I felt it important to give back. Since then, others in my family have also been diagnosed which has furthered my commitment to support the work of the Society.”
Claire says her favourite event to volunteer at is the Winnipeg Walk, and she’s helped out in many different roles over the years.
“I’ve assisted with set-up, capturing special moments through photography, bringing the element of ‘Team Fun’ alongside my dad, and being a route leader,” she says. “No matter the task, I am always a cheerleader for the walkers to spread positivity and encouragement throughout the event. I am looking forward to this year’s walk!”
We are so grateful for everything Claire and our other Walk volunteers do and truly appreciate all the time they give to the Society and dementia community. A big thank you to Claire, and all our incredible volunteers!
Check out our social media during National Volunteer Week because we’ll be sharing more about our amazing volunteers.
Dalnavert Museum’s Monthly Dementia-Friendly Tours
Register today for the next Dalnavert Museum dementia-friendly tour, which takes place on Saturday, April 27 at 10 am.
Dalnavert Museum’s dementia-friendly tours allow people living with early to moderate symptoms of dementia and their care partners to step back in time and explore the historic house and its collection. After your tour of the museum, join them for tea and coffee and a closer look at some artifacts.
Check out this article from our February 2024 eNews to learn more:
Step Into the 1800s With This New Dementia-Friendly Program
Please note: The upper floors of the museum are only accessible by stairs. If stairs pose a barrier, there will be the option of exploring the upper floors of the house with a tour guide in the Visitors’ Centre through our virtual tour. Folding cane-seats can be borrowed free of charge during your visit and there will be seating available throughout the museum.
Monthly Program
Dalnavert Museum, 61 Carlton St, Winnipeg
The last Saturday of every month, 10 – 11:30 am
Cost: $24.00 (plus tax) per pair and session, $12.00 per pair and session if one of the pair is a Dalnavert Museum Member
Register on Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre website.
Check out our other Spring 2024 community partner programs:
Fun!-Damentals of Table Tennis (Manitoba Table Tennis Association)
Introducing the Fun!-Damentals of Table Tennis program which connects people living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners through fitness and friendship.
Table tennis is a great aerobic exercise with proven cognitive benefits. Participants will take part in gentle recreational play. We will teach basic techniques and rules of the game while having tons of fun.
Spring Program (10 weeks)
Cornerstone Alliance Church, 1100 Autumnwood Dr, Winnipeg
Monday evenings, 6 – 8 pm
April 8 – June 10, 2024
Cost: $110 per pair
Register today by emailing table.tennis@sportmanitoba.ca
Tales Along the Trail (FortWhyte Alive)
Enjoy Manitoba’s spring awakening! Tales Along the Trail is for people living with dementia and their care partners who are looking for a safe but exciting way to encounter the natural world. Watch as snowy landscapes turn lush green, hear the songs of migrating birds and smell the first flowers in the forest. An experienced naturalist will guide the group along FortWhyte’s gentle pathways, pointing out all spring has to offer and encouraging everyone to use their senses to explore.
Each session will include a relaxing walk through the woods, with stops focusing on all of our senses. Participants will then have a chance to share thoughts, stories and a snack around a crackling fire or cozy indoor space. In stormy weather, we bring nature indoors.
Spring Program (8 weeks)
FortWhyte Alive, 1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg
Wednesdays, 2 – 3:30 pm
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2024
Cost: $110 + GST/couple
Contact bmiller@fortwhyte.org for a link to register for this program
Now and Then: A Journey in Time (Manitoba Museum)
Now and Then: A Journey in Time is a program that encourages you to explore the Manitoba Museum’s many collections.
During four lively sessions led by a Museum Learning Facilitator, participants will explore old memories and create new ones through objects, activities and stimulating discussions. Each session highlights one of the Museum’s distinct galleries, from the animals of the Arctic to the far reaches of ancient Egypt and many more.
Participants are welcome to explore the Museum Galleries before or after the program.
Spring Program (4 weeks)
Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg
Fridays, 2 – 3:30
April 10, April 17, April 24 and May 1, 2024
Cost: $110 + GST/couple
Register for the Spring session on the Manitoba Museum website.
Minds in Motion® Spring Sessions
Stay socially and physically active this spring with Minds in Motion®!
Our popular Minds in Motion® program connects people living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners through fitness, fun and friendship. Participants take part in a gentle chair fitness class followed by socially engaging activity and conversation. There are lots of laughs and social interaction during these sessions.
See below for all Spring sessions:
Winnipeg Locations
Faith Lutheran Church – 1311 Dakota St.
Thursdays, 10 am – 12 pm
April 11 – May 30
Registration Closed
Rady JCC Fitness Centre – 123 Doncaster St.
Wednesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
April 10 – May 29
Call to register: 204-477-7510
Riverwood Square – 1778 Pembina Hwy.
Tuesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
April 9 – May 28
Registration Closed
The Wellness Institute – 1075 Leila Ave.
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 10 – May 29
Call to register: 204-632-3900
YMCA – Elmwood-Kildonan – 454 Kimberly Ave.
Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 11 – May 30
Call to register: 204-668-8140
YMCA – West Portage – 3550 Portage Ave.
Tuesdays, 1 – 3 pm
April 9 – May 28
Registration Closed
Regional Locations
ALTONA
The Gardens on Tenth – 140 10 Ave. NE
Mondays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 8 – May 27
Call to register: 1-204-324-8945
BRANDON
Seniors for Seniors – 311 Park Ave. East
Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 4 – May 21
Call to register: 1-204-571-2050
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Herman Prior Centre – 40 Royal Rd. North
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
April 10 – May 29
Call to register: 1-204-857-6951
SELKIRK
Gordon Howard Centre – 384 Eveline St.
Wednesdays, 1 – 3 pm
April 3 – May 22
Call to register: 204-785-2092
To inquire about future registration dates for any of the above locations, please email aduff@alzheimer.mb.ca.
Check Out Our Spring Education Sessions
Join us this spring and learn about a variety of topics including protecting yourself from frauds and scams, understanding responsive behaviours, the relationship between sleep and dementia and more. These sessions are free to attend and offered via Zoom.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Living With Dementia: First Steps – Part 1
*Please note you do not need to attend these in order.*
The first session of a three-part information series for people supporting someone recently diagnosed with dementia. In this webinar, learn more about:
- The progression of dementia
- Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Programs and Services Overview
Saturday, April 6 | 10 – 11:45 am | Virtual via Zoom
Click here to register.
Frauds & Scams, Presented by Winnipeg Police Service
Millions of dollars are lost through frauds and scams. Thousands of people are victimized each year. All segments of the population are impacted, no one is immune from this type of crime, and anyone can be a target. We all have a role to play in fraud prevention. Learn from a member of the Winnipeg Police Service about:
- Types of scams
- Tips, tools, and techniques to protect against scams
- Reporting a fraud or scam
Tuesday, April 16 | 2 – 3 pm | Virtual via Zoom
Click here to register.
Family Education: Next Steps: You can choose to watch these online sessions in-person at the Alzheimer Society office (10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg) – the speaker will not be presenting in-person. Please email ekinnaird@alzheimer.mb.ca if you are interested in this option.
Visit the links below to view and register for more upcoming sessions.
Family Education | Spring 2024 Calendar PDF
Family Education | Upcoming Seminars
Family Education: Next Steps Sponsored by:
Gain Connection & Guidance Through Support Groups
If you are living with or supporting someone living with dementia, our support groups are for you! Dementia can leave you feeling isolated, but you are not alone. There are others who share the experience of navigating dementia, and we invite you to come meet them.
When you join a support group, you connect with a community of people you can lean on for guidance, encouragement and understanding. You’ll also learn more about dementia and its progression, exchange practical coping strategies and mutual support and participate in meaningful discussions.
We offer groups for people living with dementia and for care partners both in-person across the province and virtually via Zoom. There are a variety of unique groups to choose from, so you can find the right fit for you.
Call us at 204-943-6622/1-800-378-6622 or email alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca and we can help you find the best support group to meet your needs.
For a complete listing of support groups, visit the links below:
Support Groups for Care Partners
Support Groups for People Living with Dementia
We welcome everyone to this inclusive environment for people of different ethnicities, cultures or persons who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
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Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) for the most current news, information and resources. If you’re already following us on social media, invite your friends to do the same!
X (formerly Twitter)
We Rely on Your Donations to Continue Our Work
Your gifts are put to immediate use through our helpline, support groups and education programs.
Remember. You Are Not Alone.
We are here to help you and your family no matter where you are in your dementia journey. You can reach a comforting ear by phone or get a quick response by email. Call us at 204-943-6622 (Wpg), 1-800-378-6699 (MB) or email alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca