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Alzheimer's awareness month helps highlight resources

The Alzheimer Society of Oxford County is encouraging anyone concerned about having Alzheimer’s, or someone they care about possibly having the disease, to reach out.

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The Alzheimer Society is encouraging anyone concerned about the disease to just reach out.

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Don’t be worried about contacting the Alzheimer Society, said Shelley Green, executive director of its Oxford branch.

“That is exactly why we are here – to support people,” said Green, “and we’re supporting people from before diagnosis until after death. Do not hesitate … make that phone call.

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Reaching out can be stressful, she acknowledged, and sometimes difficult.

“What we want people to know, first of all, is that our services are completely confidential. Our staff are very professional, and they are very sensitive.”

There is a volunteer companion program, social interaction through a recreation program, and support groups and individual support available.

“We have such a wide range of programs now, going from before diagnosis until after death. People do not need to go through dementia on their own. That’s exactly why the Alzheimer Society exists.”

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According to statistics for Ontario, close to 250,000 people in the province are living with dementia. New cases of dementia in Ontario are on the rise. By 2038, the number of Ontarians living with dementia is estimated to grow to 430,000.

Since last March, COVID-19 has stopped in-person services offered by the Alzheimer Society, but most programs have continued, either by phone or virtually.

A manual – Together Apart – was created for the volunteer companion program as a guide to visiting at a distance. The three-section manual covers communication, using Zoom software and activities.

Since March 2020, many people have learned what it feels like to be isolated, said Green.

“We’re really hoping that will spur people on to maybe have a greater sensitivity. Hopefully people will reach out to the care partner, as well as the person with the diagnosis, to offer friendship, support, to check in.

If you would like to volunteer with the Alzheimer Society, or donate, the Oxford branch can be contacted at 519-421-2466.

cabbott@postmedia.com

Here are 10 warnings signs for Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Memory loss that affects day-to-day abilities.
  • Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
  • Problems with language.
  • Disorientation in time and space.
  • Impaired judgment.
  • Problems with abstract thinking.
  • Misplacing things.
  • Changes in mood and behaviour.
  • Changes in personality.
  • Loss of initiative.
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