Weekly Round-Up

Brain-Friendly Activities and Information!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming LIVE events.
Dementia Society live events offer the opportunity for real-time interaction, Q&A with dementia experts, and a direct connection to your community of support.

Your Community of Support Online and In-Person

Peer support groups are a great way to connect with and share experiences with other caregivers and their partners. View this month’s schedule of Dementia Society expert-facilitated online support groups Ottawa / Renfrew County 

Support Options

• Grief Peer Support: Grief is an undeniable part of the experience of dementia: ongoing grief, anticipatory grief, complex grief, and end of life grief. Join this group to hone your grief coping strategies, resiliency, and isolation during challenging times. The Grief Peer Support Group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each, a month from 6:30-8:30 pm. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. More here.
  
• Long-term Care – Retirement Home Support: These groups focus on the experience of care in a residential setting and related challenges and strategies for living well for care partners and people living with dementia. Next meeting Wednesday, August 12, 2020, More here.

Always-On Programming

The Dementia Society offers a wealth of on-demand programming available to you on your time. Education, entertainment, and dementia-tailored activities are just a click away, when you need and want them.

On-Demand Education

Fall Prevention: Practical Tips for Caregivers to Reduce the Risk - learn practical tips to reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries, in the context of dementia care. (1h:02min)

Dementia Basics Part 6- The Caregiving Challenge with Kelly Wilkinson. M.Ed., C.C.C. Dementia Care Coach (1h:09min)

On-Demand Activities

Get crafty! A series of Arts and Minds classes is now available on the Dementia Society’sto view them please click here.Pick from (painting, drawing, specific examples) classes to find the instructor-lead session that best suits your interests.

Music fires the brain! Our Circle of Song sing-a-long classes are available at your convenience on YouTube. To view them please click here and you’ll be humming along in no time.

In-Home Programs

Take-a-Break: You know caregiving is stressful and can require a lot of resilience. Our Take-a-Break program provides caregivers the opportunity to take a few moments for themselves, while a trained volunteer visits with your person with dementia. This virtual respite program is free, just register to request a match. We’ll find the right fit so you both get a break. For more information and to register, click here.

Pedal Power Program - Pedal Power is- a foot pedal loan program that sets you up to cycle in the comfort of your home. We provide the pedals and you’re on your way – it’s easier than riding a bike! To learn more click here.

Dementia-Friendly Activity Packages include a collection of puzzles, games, and activities that people living with dementia and their care partners can enjoy from the comfort of home. Click here to request a package

Tip of the Week  

• It is important to recognize that as the caregiving needs increase, caregiving stress, which is normal, can place a burden on your physical and emotional health. Caregiving can become more manageable and rewarding for you if you recognize and take steps to reduce the effects of stress.Find out how to recognize and manage caregiver stress here.

Just for Fun 

• Last week we looked at learning to crochet, crocheting for beginners. This week let's practice that skill and crochet an easy blanket (also for beginners). 
  • Watch it here
• Virtual Encounters With Purring Cheetahs and Curious Penguins -Zoos are beginning to open, but digital experiences allow visitors to see ecosystems from a different perspective. 
  • Click here to watch