Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 2024: Support Changes Everything
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and we’re sharing stories from five unique individuals navigating dementia who have discovered that receiving support from the Alzheimer Society can change everything. Read their stories and learn more about dementia and the people affected by it every day.
As we celebrate 40 years here at the Alzheimer Society, we recognize that although significant strides have been made to support families living with dementia, it remains an incredibly challenging diagnosis and there is a stigma that still exists today. We want Manitobans to understand what it’s like to live with this disease and realize that the Alzheimer Society is a place for families to turn for support.
Thank you for taking the time to learn and understand.
Join us every month by reading and subscribing to our monthly eNewsletter, where we share even more stories as well as up-to-date information and services available from the Society. You can view our January eNews edition here.
Follow us on Facebook,Instagram,X and LinkedIn all month long for highlights, videos, insightful information and more!
First Link® is a national Alzheimer Society program that connects people living with dementia, their care partners and their families to information, support services and education as early as possible and throughout the progression of the disease. To learn more about the program, watch the video below and visit our website.
Discover More Videos
Visit our YouTube page to watch all of our videos, including our most recent First Link® video featuring spokesperson Ken and Alzheimer Society staff.
Families face many challenges when living with dementia. It helps to have an understanding of what is to come, along with reliable information about the resources available. Below are some upcoming education opportunities happening this January.
LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: FIRST STEPS – PART ONE
*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. Learn from health and industry professionals as they discuss the disease progression and provide information on services and resources available. In this webinar, you will learn more about the progression of dementia and Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s programs and services. Saturday, January 13 | 10 – 11:45 am | Virtual via Zoom Click here to register
ACCESSING COMMUNITY RESOURCES – SPONSORED BY JOHNSTON GROUP AND PAYWORKS
Are you uncertain of how to access meal services, transportation options or other community resources? Join one of the Alzheimer Society First Link® Client Support Coordinators to learn about available supports such as Emergency Response Information Kits (ERIK), Meals on Wheels, home safety and more. This session will focus on providing information about different programs, services and community supports available to assist people living with dementia and their care partners to reside in the community. Wednesday, January 17 | 2 – 3 pm | Virtual via Zoom Click here to register
Q & A WITH THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY’S FIRST LINK® CLIENT SUPPORT TEAM – SPONSORED BY JOHNSTON GROUP AND PAYWORKS
Do you have questions about dementia? Caregiving strategies? Communication tips? Join Sarah Dueck, First Link® Team Lead and Samantha Holland, First Link® Regional Team Lead, who will provide a short presentation on some of the common questions received by the Client Support team about navigating the dementia journey. Sarah and Sam will also leave time for attendees to ask other questions during an extended Q & A period. Wednesday, January 24 | 2 – 3 pm | Virtual via Zoom Click here to register
Click here for more upcoming education dates and topics.
Minds in Motion® is a weekly fitness and social program designed for people with early to moderate signs of dementia to attend with a family member or friend. You and your partner will experience physical activity, games that challenge your brain and opportunities to socialize with others in the group.
For a full list of sessions taking place across the province, please visit the Minds in Motion website to register today.
Please note that Minds in Motion dates may be subject to change. Visit the Minds in Motion website for the most up-to-date information.
We continue to work towards creating a community that respects, supports and empowers people living with dementia – where people living with dementia are socially and culturally valued and actively participate in a safe environment.
A dementia-friendly community focuses on stigma reduction and the inclusion of people living with dementia. The more we know and understand about dementia, the better prepared we are to create these safe, inclusive community spaces.
Living with dementia is unique to every individual and their family. What can you do to better understand? Keep reading to learn more and help make your community dementia-friendly.
Communication
Sometimes people living with dementia have trouble expressing themselves or understanding what is being communicated. Be supportive and use things that are familiar to the person to create a reassuring environment. If their perception of reality becomes confused, try to be creative rather than contradictory in your responses. Click here for more communication tips from our national website.
Behaviour
How dementia affects behaviour varies from person to person and these symptoms can change over time. Always try to remain calm and reassuring and never judge or scold. We can provide information and strategies to help you understand and respond to various behaviours. Click here for more about behaviour changes from our national website.
Safety
We all have an important role to play in making our communities safe for people with dementia. Having dementia presents challenges but there are things we can all do to manage the risks and promote safety at home and in the community. Click here to learn more about safety from our national website.
Myths and Realities
Myths and misconceptions about dementia abound – what it is, who gets it and how it affects the people who have it. These myths stand in the way of understanding the disease and helping those affected. Click here to read the facts from our national website.
Navigating signs of dementia or a diagnosis can be challenging. You are not alone – the Alzheimer Society is here to help. Here are a few of the services we offer to help individuals and families face the challenges ahead:
One-to-one Counselling – To access one of our Client Support staff, call 204-943-6622 in Winnipeg, the regional office nearest you or call toll-free at 1-800-378-6622. You can also send an email to alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca. The responding staff member will assist you in a caring, confidential manner.
Family Education Sessions –A dementia journey poses many challenges. Having an understanding of what you are facing, along with reliable information about the types of help available to you, will make a difference. Plus, the virtual sessions allow you to learn from the comfort of your home. Visit our Family Education page for a list of the Alzheimer Society’s upcoming topics and sessions.
Support Groups – Our support groups, available virtually and in-person, are here for people who want to inform themselves with current information that will help improve quality of life with dementia. These are safe environments where you can learn, laugh and help each other through mutual understanding. All of our support groups are inclusive environments for people of different ethnicities, cultures or persons who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.Visit our Support Groups page to discover the variety of virtual and in-person support groups now available.
Online Information About Dementia and Strategies for Caregivers. For a comprehensive list of resources, check out our Further Reading page. This page on our website includes links to a variety of resources, including topics for further reading, the national Alzheimer Society website and other national and international websites containing dementia-related information.
The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s eNewsletters. These eNewsletters contain information about topics of interest to people living with dementia, their care partners, health professionals and those with an interest in learning more about dementia. Our eNews provides you with personal stories from those affected by dementia, upcoming programs and education events, current dementia research and much more. Go to our Newsletters page to access our previous editions. Click here to subscribe so you never miss an issue.
Care Partner Support: Care partners are encouraged to access support in ways that work for them. To learn more about care partner support and education provided by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, visit our Programs and Services page.
Forty years ago, a small group of care partners held a public meeting in Winnipeg to share information about dementia. They hoped 25 or 50 people would attend, but over 350 showed up! They took the names and phone numbers of those in attendance and decided to form an Alzheimer Society chapter in Manitoba – united by the idea that they could make a difference for Manitobans needing clarity and support while facing the challenges of dementia.
The timeline below outlines some milestones we’ve reached over our 40-year history.
Today, the Alzheimer Society continues to help Manitobans affected by dementia receive the help they need now and have hope for the future.
As a province-wide organization, the Society seeks to achieve its mission through community awareness, education, support programs and research funding.
Click here to read more about the Alzheimer Society.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn for the most current news, information and resources. If you already follow us on social media, invite your friends to do the same!
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and we’re sharing stories from five unique individuals navigating dementia who have discovered that receiving support from the Alzheimer Society can change everything. Read their stories and learn more about dementia and the people affected by it every day.
As we celebrate 40 years here at the Alzheimer Society, we recognize that although significant strides have been made to support families living with dementia, it remains an incredibly challenging diagnosis and there is a stigma that still exists today. We want Manitobans to understand what it’s like to live with this disease and realize that the Alzheimer Society is a place for families to turn for support.
Thank you for taking the time to learn and understand.
Join us every month by reading and subscribing to our monthly eNewsletter, where we share even more stories as well as up-to-date information and services available from the Society. You can view our January eNews edition here.
Follow us on Facebook,Instagram,X and LinkedIn all month long for highlights, videos, insightful information and more!
First Link® is a national Alzheimer Society program that connects people living with dementia, their care partners and their families to information, support services and education as early as possible and throughout the progression of the disease. To learn more about the program, watch the video below and visit our website.
Discover More Videos
Visit our YouTube page to watch all of our videos, including our most recent First Link® video featuring spokesperson Ken and Alzheimer Society staff.
Families face many challenges when living with dementia. It helps to have an understanding of what is to come, along with reliable information about the resources available. Below are some upcoming education opportunities happening this January.
LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: FIRST STEPS – PART ONE
*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. Learn from health and industry professionals as they discuss the disease progression and provide information on services and resources available. In this webinar, you will learn more about the progression of dementia and Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s programs and services. Saturday, January 13 | 10 – 11:45 am | Virtual via Zoom Click here to register
ACCESSING COMMUNITY RESOURCES – SPONSORED BY JOHNSTON GROUP AND PAYWORKS
Are you uncertain of how to access meal services, transportation options or other community resources? Join one of the Alzheimer Society First Link® Client Support Coordinators to learn about available supports such as Emergency Response Information Kits (ERIK), Meals on Wheels, home safety and more. This session will focus on providing information about different programs, services and community supports available to assist people living with dementia and their care partners to reside in the community. Wednesday, January 17 | 2 – 3 pm | Virtual via Zoom Click here to register
Q & A WITH THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY’S FIRST LINK® CLIENT SUPPORT TEAM – SPONSORED BY JOHNSTON GROUP AND PAYWORKS
Do you have questions about dementia? Caregiving strategies? Communication tips? Join Sarah Dueck, First Link® Team Lead and Samantha Holland, First Link® Regional Team Lead, who will provide a short presentation on some of the common questions received by the Client Support team about navigating the dementia journey. Sarah and Sam will also leave time for attendees to ask other questions during an extended Q & A period. Wednesday, January 24 | 2 – 3 pm | Virtual via Zoom Click here to register
Click here for more upcoming education dates and topics.
Minds in Motion® is a weekly fitness and social program designed for people with early to moderate signs of dementia to attend with a family member or friend. You and your partner will experience physical activity, games that challenge your brain and opportunities to socialize with others in the group.
For a full list of sessions taking place across the province, please visit the Minds in Motion website to register today.
Please note that Minds in Motion dates may be subject to change. Visit the Minds in Motion website for the most up-to-date information.
We continue to work towards creating a community that respects, supports and empowers people living with dementia – where people living with dementia are socially and culturally valued and actively participate in a safe environment.
A dementia-friendly community focuses on stigma reduction and the inclusion of people living with dementia. The more we know and understand about dementia, the better prepared we are to create these safe, inclusive community spaces.
Living with dementia is unique to every individual and their family. What can you do to better understand? Keep reading to learn more and help make your community dementia-friendly.
Communication
Sometimes people living with dementia have trouble expressing themselves or understanding what is being communicated. Be supportive and use things that are familiar to the person to create a reassuring environment. If their perception of reality becomes confused, try to be creative rather than contradictory in your responses. Click here for more communication tips from our national website.
Behaviour
How dementia affects behaviour varies from person to person and these symptoms can change over time. Always try to remain calm and reassuring and never judge or scold. We can provide information and strategies to help you understand and respond to various behaviours. Click here for more about behaviour changes from our national website.
Safety
We all have an important role to play in making our communities safe for people with dementia. Having dementia presents challenges but there are things we can all do to manage the risks and promote safety at home and in the community. Click here to learn more about safety from our national website.
Myths and Realities
Myths and misconceptions about dementia abound – what it is, who gets it and how it affects the people who have it. These myths stand in the way of understanding the disease and helping those affected. Click here to read the facts from our national website.
Navigating signs of dementia or a diagnosis can be challenging. You are not alone – the Alzheimer Society is here to help. Here are a few of the services we offer to help individuals and families face the challenges ahead:
One-to-one Counselling – To access one of our Client Support staff, call 204-943-6622 in Winnipeg, the regional office nearest you or call toll-free at 1-800-378-6622. You can also send an email to alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca. The responding staff member will assist you in a caring, confidential manner.
Family Education Sessions –A dementia journey poses many challenges. Having an understanding of what you are facing, along with reliable information about the types of help available to you, will make a difference. Plus, the virtual sessions allow you to learn from the comfort of your home. Visit our Family Education page for a list of the Alzheimer Society’s upcoming topics and sessions.
Support Groups – Our support groups, available virtually and in-person, are here for people who want to inform themselves with current information that will help improve quality of life with dementia. These are safe environments where you can learn, laugh and help each other through mutual understanding. All of our support groups are inclusive environments for people of different ethnicities, cultures or persons who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.Visit our Support Groups page to discover the variety of virtual and in-person support groups now available.
Online Information About Dementia and Strategies for Caregivers. For a comprehensive list of resources, check out our Further Reading page. This page on our website includes links to a variety of resources, including topics for further reading, the national Alzheimer Society website and other national and international websites containing dementia-related information.
The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s eNewsletters. These eNewsletters contain information about topics of interest to people living with dementia, their care partners, health professionals and those with an interest in learning more about dementia. Our eNews provides you with personal stories from those affected by dementia, upcoming programs and education events, current dementia research and much more. Go to our Newsletters page to access our previous editions. Click here to subscribe so you never miss an issue.
Care Partner Support: Care partners are encouraged to access support in ways that work for them. To learn more about care partner support and education provided by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, visit our Programs and Services page.
Forty years ago, a small group of care partners held a public meeting in Winnipeg to share information about dementia. They hoped 25 or 50 people would attend, but over 350 showed up! They took the names and phone numbers of those in attendance and decided to form an Alzheimer Society chapter in Manitoba – united by the idea that they could make a difference for Manitobans needing clarity and support while facing the challenges of dementia.
The timeline below outlines some milestones we’ve reached over our 40-year history.
Today, the Alzheimer Society continues to help Manitobans affected by dementia receive the help they need now and have hope for the future.
As a province-wide organization, the Society seeks to achieve its mission through community awareness, education, support programs and research funding.
Click here to read more about the Alzheimer Society.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn for the most current news, information and resources. If you already follow us on social media, invite your friends to do the same!
"
["_permalink":protected]=>
NULL
["_next":protected]=>
array(0) {
}
["_prev":protected]=>
array(0) {
}
["_css_class":protected]=>
NULL
["id"]=>
int(24011)
["ID"]=>
int(24011)
["post_author"]=>
string(1) "7"
["post_content"]=>
string(31329) "January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month and we're sharing stories from five unique individuals navigating dementia who have discovered that receiving support from the Alzheimer Society can change everything. Read their stories and learn more about dementia and the people affected by it every day. As we celebrate 40 years here at the Alzheimer Society, we recognize that although significant strides have been made to support families living with dementia, it remains an incredibly challenging diagnosis and there is a stigma that still exists today. We want Manitobans to understand what it's like to live with this disease and realize that the Alzheimer Society is a place for families to turn for support. Thank you for taking the time to learn and understand. Join us every month by reading and subscribing to our monthly eNewsletter, where we share even more stories as well as up-to-date information and services available from the Society. You can view our January eNews edition here. Follow us on Facebook,Instagram,X and LinkedIn all month long for highlights, videos, insightful information and more!
Take a moment to learn more about dementia from individuals who experience it first-hand. 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. Visit our January eNews to 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. JOYCE lives with dementia. She says: "My gratefulness to the Society will never end. They’ve made my life livable because I saw only the dark side of dementia before coming to them." Read Joyce'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. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
First Link® Client Support Program
First Link® is a national Alzheimer Society program that connects people living with dementia, their care partners and their families to information, support services and education as early as possible and throughout the progression of the disease. To learn more about the program, watch the video below and visit our website.
Discover More Videos
Visit our YouTube page to watch all of our videos, including our most recent First Link® video featuring spokesperson Ken and Alzheimer Society staff. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
Family Education - January 2024
Families face many challenges when living with dementia. It helps to have an understanding of what is to come, along with reliable information about the resources available. Below are some upcoming education opportunities happening this January. LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: FIRST STEPS - PART ONE*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.
Learn from health and industry professionals as they discuss the disease progression and provide information on services and resources available. In this webinar, you will learn more about the progression of dementia and Alzheimer Society of Manitoba's programs and services. Saturday, January 13 | 10 - 11:45 am | Virtual via ZoomClick here to registerACCESSING COMMUNITY RESOURCES - SPONSORED BY JOHNSTON GROUP AND PAYWORKS Are you uncertain of how to access meal services, transportation options or other community resources? Join one of the Alzheimer Society First Link® Client Support Coordinators to learn about available supports such as Emergency Response Information Kits (ERIK), Meals on Wheels, home safety and more. This session will focus on providing information about different programs, services and community supports available to assist people living with dementia and their care partners to reside in the community. Wednesday, January 17 | 2 - 3 pm | Virtual via ZoomClick here to registerQ & A WITH THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY'S FIRST LINK® CLIENT SUPPORT TEAM - SPONSORED BY JOHNSTON GROUP AND PAYWORKS Do you have questions about dementia? Caregiving strategies? Communication tips? Join Sarah Dueck, First Link® Team Lead and Samantha Holland, First Link® Regional Team Lead, who will provide a short presentation on some of the common questions received by the Client Support team about navigating the dementia journey. Sarah and Sam will also leave time for attendees to ask other questions during an extended Q & A period. Wednesday, January 24 | 2 - 3 pm | Virtual via ZoomClick here to registerClick here for more upcoming education dates and topics.RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
Register Now for Minds in Motion®
Minds in Motion® is a weekly fitness and social program designed for people with early to moderate signs of dementia to attend with a family member or friend. You and your partner will experience physical activity, games that challenge your brain and opportunities to socialize with others in the group. For a full list of sessions taking place across the province, please visit the Minds in Motion website to register today. Please note that Minds in Motion dates may be subject to change. Visit the Minds in Motion website for the most up-to-date information.RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
Help Create Dementia-Friendly Communities
We continue to work towards creating a community that respects, supports and empowers people living with dementia – where people living with dementia are socially and culturally valued and actively participate in a safe environment. A dementia-friendly community focuses on stigma reduction and the inclusion of people living with dementia. The more we know and understand about dementia, the better prepared we are to create these safe, inclusive community spaces. Click here to learn more about how you can help. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
Tips on How to Live Well with Dementia
There are some practical things you can do to help you live as well as possible with dementia. For example, you can challenge your brain, focus on the things you can and want to do, maintain a healthy lifestyle and try not to become isolated. Click here to learn more about how to live well with dementia. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
Let Us Help You Understand Dementia
Living with dementia is unique to every individual and their family. What can you do to better understand? Keep reading to learn more and help make your community dementia-friendly.
Communication
Sometimes people living with dementia have trouble expressing themselves or understanding what is being communicated. Be supportive and use things that are familiar to the person to create a reassuring environment. If their perception of reality becomes confused, try to be creative rather than contradictory in your responses. Click here for more communication tips from our national website.
Behaviour
How dementia affects behaviour varies from person to person and these symptoms can change over time. Always try to remain calm and reassuring and never judge or scold. We can provide information and strategies to help you understand and respond to various behaviours. Click here for more about behaviour changes from our national website.
Safety
We all have an important role to play in making our communities safe for people with dementia. Having dementia presents challenges but there are things we can all do to manage the risks and promote safety at home and in the community. Click here to learn more about safety from our national website.
Myths and Realities
Myths and misconceptions about dementia abound - what it is, who gets it and how it affects the people who have it. These myths stand in the way of understanding the disease and helping those affected. Click here to read the facts from our national website.
Navigating signs of dementia or a diagnosis can be challenging. You are not alone – the Alzheimer Society is here to help. Here are a few of the services we offer to help individuals and families face the challenges ahead: One-to-one Counselling - To access one of our Client Support staff, call 204-943-6622 in Winnipeg, the regional office nearest you or call toll-free at 1-800-378-6622. You can also send an email to alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca. The responding staff member will assist you in a caring, confidential manner. Family Education Sessions -A dementia journey poses many challenges. Having an understanding of what you are facing, along with reliable information about the types of help available to you, will make a difference. Plus, the virtual sessions allow you to learn from the comfort of your home. Visit our Family Education page for a list of the Alzheimer Society’s upcoming topics and sessions. Support Groups - Our support groups, available virtually and in-person, are here for people who want to inform themselves with current information that will help improve quality of life with dementia. These are safe environments where you can learn, laugh and help each other through mutual understanding. All of our support groups are inclusive environments for people of different ethnicities, cultures or persons who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.Visit our Support Groups page to discover the variety of virtual and in-person support groups now available. Online Information About Dementia and Strategies for Caregivers. For a comprehensive list of resources, check out our Further Reading page. This page on our website includes links to a variety of resources, including topics for further reading, the national Alzheimer Society website and other national and international websites containing dementia-related information. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s eNewsletters. These eNewsletters contain information about topics of interest to people living with dementia, their care partners, health professionals and those with an interest in learning more about dementia. Our eNews provides you with personal stories from those affected by dementia, upcoming programs and education events, current dementia research and much more. Go to our Newsletters page to access our previous editions. Click here to subscribe so you never miss an issue. Care Partner Support: Care partners are encouraged to access support in ways that work for them. To learn more about care partner support and education provided by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, visit our Programs and Services page. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
About the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
Forty years ago, a small group of care partners held a public meeting in Winnipeg to share information about dementia. They hoped 25 or 50 people would attend, but over 350 showed up! They took the names and phone numbers of those in attendance and decided to form an Alzheimer Society chapter in Manitoba – united by the idea that they could make a difference for Manitobans needing clarity and support while facing the challenges of dementia. The timeline below outlines some milestones we’ve reached over our 40-year history. Today, the Alzheimer Society continues to help Manitobans affected by dementia receive the help they need now and have hope for the future. As a province-wide organization, the Society seeks to achieve its mission through community awareness, education, support programs and research funding. Click here to read more about the Alzheimer Society. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
Get Involved with the Alzheimer Society
Whether you volunteer your time or make a donation, we need your support. Click here to find out how you can help. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: FIRST STEPS – PART ONE
We continue to work towards creating a community that respects, supports and empowers people living with dementia – where people living with dementia are socially and culturally valued and actively participate in a safe environment.
There are some practical things you can do to help you live as well as possible with dementia.
Forty years ago, a small group of care partners held a public meeting in Winnipeg to share information about dementia. They hoped 25 or 50 people would attend, but over 350 showed up! They took the names and phone numbers of those in attendance and decided to form an Alzheimer Society chapter in Manitoba – united by the idea that they could make a difference for Manitobans needing clarity and support while facing the challenges of dementia.