Memory Cafe at library Oct. 8 doubles as information session
Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward has a message for Deseronto-area residents living their own dementia diagnosis or that of a loved one: You don’t have to do it alone.
Lorraine Ross, an education and support co-ordinator with the society, is concerned there are people in the community falling through the cracks and missing opportunities for support.
“I feel it’s an area that’s under serviced and in our catchment. They do need services,” Ross said. “I thought we should break the stigma about Alzheimer disease and have a basic information session and have people come and learn. I think people are afraid.”
Ross has paired with the Deseronto Library to hold her monthly Memory Cafe program there. Normally, the occasion allows people to share in some mental stimulation activities and games, socialize, and network with others who might be struggling with some form of dementia. At next month’s session at 2 p.m., Oct. 9, Ross will be providing information about dementia and about some of the support groups and services the society can provide.
Sometimes, in a community as small as Deseronto, Ross said it can be even more difficult for people to come forward because most people know one another and it’s difficult to have people pointing out the stigma. She added, however, the more open people are, the easier it can be.
“Many, many years ago there was the stigma with cancer. Nobody said the C word. Now it’s out in the forefront,” she said. “The biggest thing is I don’t want people to be afraid. There is no shame in this. Nobody asks to have dementia. The sooner we reach out to get help and find resources, the easier it can be for people. There’s comfort in community. We all strive better when we have someone to share the burden with.”
Ross said the beauty of the Memory Cafe program and support groups is that it can be comforting to know someone else going through a similar experience. She cautions that “if you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia,” meaning that everyone has different experiences, but there are some commonalities.
In the coming months, the society is hoping to talk to businesses in its catchment area about establishing dementia friendly communities. With an aging population, more people will encounter dementia. Ross quotes a statistic that every three seconds, someone in the world shows signs of dementia.
She said some common warning signs include people having blank looks or wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather. Ross said community members shouldn’t be afraid to approach those who may have dementia.
“Be gentle and approach them from the front so that you don’t startle them. You can say something like ‘Can I help you?’ or ‘Are you looking for someone?’
The society support groups geared to families and to caregivers in the Prince Edward County and Belleville areas. Those interested in learning more can contact Ross at 613-476-2085. The Napanee area is served by a different chapter, the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, which also offers a range of supports and services. Those in Lennox and Addington interested in its programming can call 613-544-3078.
This week also presents an important fundraising opportunity for the Alzheimer Society as McDonald’s restaurants are holding their annual Coffee Day promotion. Today, in Picton, Belleville, Trenton and Madoc, 50 cents from medium, large, and extra large coffees sold between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. goes to the Hastings-Prince Edward chapter. Tomorrow, locations in Napanee and Kingston will be supporting the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington chapter.