Activation and Respite Program

Who's eligible for the program?

Activation and Respite Program is available to individuals living with dementia, throughout all stages of the disease. The program will be available to you if you are an active client with the Alzheimer Society Thunder Bay and  as long as you are living at home and continue to benefit from the program. If you are in hospital for an extended period, or if you move to a long-term care home, you will be discharged from the program.

How to access the program

Participants are referred to the First Link Program through Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay, the First Link Care Navigator or Public Education Coordinators.

The support team will work with the individual and their family to provide a flexible, client-centered treatment program. This will be achieved through initial assessment, gathering a leisure inventory about the individual, and implementing appropriate interventions.

How the program works

The support staff will visit the individual living with dementia in their home, typically once a week to assist them in pursuing their recreational interests. This will be done through various recreation activities or by utilizing an Activity Kit.

These kits are created by the support staff and tailored to each individuals interests. They are filled with various items for them to use independently, or with the Personal Support Worker.

The support staff will determine if you would benefit from the regular visits or by having an activity kit created for them to utilize independently or with their care partner.

The benefits of Activation and Respite

• Improve physical and cognitive abilities
• Increase confidence and self-esteem
• Strengthen independence, interpersonal skills and relationships
• Improve coping and adaptation skills
• Enhance well-being
• Realize the benefits of a healthy leisure lifestyle

Does this program has a cost?

There is no cost for the Program.