Lynn’s story

Finding my community of support

After my husband, Barry, was diagnosed with vascular dementia, I knew we needed support. My first step was to look online — and that’s how I found the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

I made that first call and met with a First Link® Client Support staff member, who was such a relief to talk to. She walked me through what to expect, shared resources and told me about a weekly support group for people living with dementia that she thought Barry might enjoy.

I signed him up right away. Once he started attending, we never looked back. He really enjoys the group — even if he sometimes forgets where we’re headed on the drive over. It’s become an important place for him to connect with others who understand what he’s going through.

And it’s been meaningful for me too. Each week, when I dropped Barry off, I’d notice other women dropping off their husbands for the group. They invited me to join them for coffee. At first, I said no — that hour felt like precious time to catch up on errands. But the next week, they asked again, and this time, I said yes. And I’m so glad I did.

We continue to meet for coffee every week, and our hour and a half together is really special. When something difficult happens during the week, I often think of them. I know I can bring those hard moments to the table — things I can’t always share with others — and they’ll just get it. We’re a community. We belong together, and that means so much.

Every time I come to the Society and meet with these women, my stress goes down. I leave feeling more comfortable, grounded and a little lighter.

Advice I’d like to share

If I could offer any advice to someone who’s worried about dementia or newly diagnosed, it would be this: the Alzheimer Society is a place you can turn to.

I truly recommend reaching out. It saved me — and it helps so many others. Being able to talk openly, to share the weight you’re carrying, is good for the soul.

Some days you feel like you’ve got things under control. But on the days you don’t, it’s so helpful to know that the Society is there. Having that support — making that phone call — can make all the difference.

When you come here, you see you’re not alone. There are so many others navigating dementia, too. It’s not hidden, like it can sometimes feel. I can’t explain how reassuring it is to know that others are walking a similar path.