caregiving Archives | Alzheimer Society Blog

UPDATED Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for people with dementia, caregivers and families

March 26, 2020

***** Read our COVID-19 statement. ***** Right now, COVID-19 is proving to be particularly challenging for people living with dementia, caregivers and families: For people with dementia who live alone, you are likely finding that social distancing, self-isolation and other changes are upending your daily routine which is important for living well with dementia and maintaining your independence. For caregivers, these changes can lead to increased feelings of stress, anxiety and confusion for both you and the person you care…

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My dementia caregiver journey: An unexpected path to enlightenment

February 5, 2019

I’ve read plenty of articles about how dementia changes the person diagnosed with it; but a commentary on how the dementia journey changes you, a loving family member, friend or caretaker, is much harder to come by. That being said, I’ve come across valuable guidance on how to interact with a person with dementia (Teepa Snow), the benefits of caretaker “self-care” (it is a marathon, not a race), the raw emotional impact (Jann Arden), and insights regarding all stages of…

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Jane Kennedy: Please don't ever feel alone.

Yes. I live with dementia. Let me help you understand: Jane Kennedy

January 14, 2019

Jane Kennedy lives in Newmarket, Ontario, where she works as a teacher. She is also a caregiver to her mom, Eileen, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. My mom was officially diagnosed at age 84. However, there were signs already of dementia for some time. The diagnosis didn’t come as a complete surprise because my grandmother had it and I was already seeing some early signs with my mom. I would say though that I also experienced some…

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Let’s talk about help for today

October 29, 2018

When I last spoke with you, I asked what you thought about dementia research in Canada and the challenges we face together. Supporters like you, speaking from your own personal experience, agreed that this isn’t a tomorrow problem for Canada—it’s our problem today! Today, I’m reaching out again to give you an update and ask for more of your insights. An update on the national dementia strategy As CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, I am pleased to have…

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Your dementia-friendly home safety checklist

August 1, 2018

What if a simple change to your home could make a huge impact for a loved one who is living with dementia? Caregivers need to look no further than some simple modifications to make their homes more dementia-friendly. Home safety modifications for dementia Here are 5 easy modifications to make your home more dementia-friendly: Lighting matters Adequate lighting is very important for someone who is living with dementia. Here are some quick tips to maximize lighting: Increase wattage, and place…

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Let’s talk about research

July 10, 2018

Today, I’m reaching out because I want to know what you think about dementia research in Canada. Your own experience and the wisdom of your insights can help the Alzheimer Society amplify the voices of people like you – ensuring that these voices are heard and action is taken. I hope you will join the conversation. Since coming on board as CEO, the goodwill, expressions of support and advice from individuals across the country have been heartwarming and deeply appreciated….

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How MedicAlert® Safely Home® boosts independence for those with dementia

June 26, 2018

Betty and her daughter Eileen have worked side by side at their rural Ontario bakery for 30 years, singing and dancing as they knead dough and glaze cinnamon rolls. When Betty, 81, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago, her daughter knew the best treatment for her mom was to keep working. “Like everyone, people with Alzheimer’s want to be productive, and boy do we have that covered,” says Eileen. Her mom cuts granola bars by the hundreds –…

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Father’s Day 2018: What Dan learned from his Dad

June 14, 2018

It’s been four years since my dad, Denis, passed away after living with dementia for 11 years. My family and I did everything to make sure Dad enjoyed life, first during the early stages, and later when he lived in a care home. My experiences with my father inspired me to help others learn to appreciate quality time with a family member with dementia.

MedicAlert® Safely Home® gives families living with dementia peace of mind

June 12, 2018

It was a cold, rainy December morning in Vancouver when paramedics spotted a woman in wet clothes, looking out of place at a bus stop. Kathryn had been missing for 27 hours by then. Her daughter had dispatched a small army of friends to look for her after she failed to come home from her walk the previous morning. “It was brutal. I thought she was dead. The paramedics brought her to the hospital and they admitted her,” recalls her…

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How to enhance safety for people with dementia

Enhancing safety for people with dementia

June 5, 2018

Imagine if someone you love goes missing. The worry can be agonizing. When the person has dementia, it takes it up a notch or two. That’s why MedicAlert Foundation Canada partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Canada in 2013 to help people living with dementia who are at risk of getting lost. MedicAlert’s service—along with its well-recognized engraved bracelet—was launched in 1961 to help emergency responders treat people quickly and effectively when they couldn’t speak for themselves. .