January is Alzheimer Awareness Month

Sarnia-Lambton

A message from Fred and a message from Stephen

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

A message from Fred

I can say that I was leery to start programs with the Alzheimer Society, but am enjoying my time with the Day Program, the exercises, and supports that come with the classes. No one rushes you, and they are all there to help me. My advice is to keep exercising.  It is the most important thing I have done.  Even a half hour walk makes a difference. Those initial conversations with the Alzheimer Society staff I will always remember and how I was helped all along the way. I wish I could remember all the help I have received from workers and volunteers but there are many. Every time I’m at the Society I am greeted with a smile and hello. Does it make a difference in someone’s day? Yes, it does. Do People with disabilities remember when you have helped or done something nice for them. You bet they do.

I just want you to know it would be a challenge to get through the day-to-day tasks that you help us with. As an independent person, it has been difficult to accept help, but I have learned it is important to reach out.  When I feel down, I reach out to someone at that time.  It may be a family member, friend or staff of the Alzheimer Society.  This plan to reach out has helped me greatly to cope when the changes in my brain can make me feel low.

I want to thank the Alzheimer Society. Not only are you helping the person with dementia you are helping their family as well. Your work, kindness and thoughtfulness bring the clients and families to an open road that they may never have found.

My advice for anyone living with dementia is to keep going to what you normally do.  I get frustrated that I can’t do things as well as before, but it is really important to keep going!

A message from Stephen

Thanks to my family, I found the Alzheimer’s Society, which I now visit three times a week. This space has been transformative. The support, resources, and structured activities there have helped me slow down the onset of the disease’s effects. Interacting with those who are on similar journeys reminds me that I’m not alone, that there are people who understand exactly what I’m going through, and it’s given me a place to practice my speech and cognitive skills in a safe and understanding environment.

The Alzheimer’s Society offers more than just a place to talk. It’s a community, a gathering of individuals who, despite different stories and challenges, face a common experience. We share our highs and lows, our frustrations and triumphs. It’s a space where there’s no judgment if words fail or if we forget. Instead, there’s a bond that grows from shared understanding and compassion. The weekly meetings bring a rhythm to my life, a sense of stability amidst the uncertainty. They remind me that I’m not alone in this journey.

I’ve met friends who, like me, find comfort in knowing that we’re seen not just as patients, but as people with rich lives, valuable experiences, and plenty of wisdom to share. In these moments, I find a sense of peace and belonging that’s priceless. Through these connections, I’ve also learned valuable tools for coping. We exchange strategies for dealing with memory lapses or tips for communicating more effectively. We cheer each other on, celebrate even the smallest of victories, and find strength in each other’s resilience. This community has become an anchor, keeping me grounded and motivated to continue forward.