The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba is celebrating 40 years of helping families with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's or any type of dementia.
'Forty years ago, a small group of care partners held a public meeting in Winnipeg to share information about dementia. They hoped 25 or 50 people would attend, but over 350 showed up! They took the names and phone numbers of those in attendance and decided to form an Alzheimer Society chapter in Manitoba – united by the idea that they could make a difference for Manitobans needing clarity and support while facing the challenges of dementia,' states their website.
Christine Jeffries is one of the Regional Coordinators at the Alzheimer's Society's Westman office in Brandon. She says reaching this significant milestone of 40 years is quite substantial.
"The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba started as a small, volunteer-run, organization in 1983 and has grown immensely over the decades with the support of our community," shares Jeffries. "We've dedicated ourselves to be a reliable source of information, education and resources for people living with all types of dementia, their care-partners, and families over these past 40 years."
"We are so incredibly thankful to our supporters who have helped us along the way in growing the Society to be recognized as a leading source of dementia care support in Manitoba," she adds.
Jeffries says reaching this significant milestone of 40 years is quite substantial. "Since 1983 we've made significant strides alongside our community. We've had lots of growth in programming in the last few years, and we're able to offer more and different types of support groups, virtual options, more specialized groups in dementia-friendly programming."
She notes there is still some stigma and gaps when it comes to dementia, "but the Alzheimer's Society serves as a reminder to folks that, we're here to help, we've been here to help, and we will be here to help hopefully for a long time," she says.
We are seeing the number of diagnoses of dementia is on the increase. Jeffries says there are a number of factors including the larger population of baby boomers now reaching their sunset years.
All are invited to the upcoming event in support of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba:
Strengthen your skills as a care partner on Saturday, October 28th at the Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park from 9 am – 3:30 pm at the Alzheimer Society’s Care4u Family Conference. Learn from health care professionals about different topics related to caring for people living with dementia. Register today at Alzheimer.mb.ca/care4u.
Click here for more information.
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