The Alzheimer’s Society of Huron and Perth is organizing several events in January to mark Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. These activities aim to educate the public about dementia and encourage open conversations about the condition. Public Education Coordinator, Jeanette Sears says this month is a time to raise awareness.
On January 29th, from 9 AM to 1 PM, a Senior Safety Session will be held at the Burnside Agriplex in Stratford. Topics will include driving and aging, fire and home safety, and fraud prevention. Local experts from the Stratford Police, Fire Department, and other organizations will speak. Attendees can register online.
The Dementia Basics Series offers one-hour sessions on Monday evenings and Tuesday afternoons. Topics include dementia warning signs, types of dementia, brain changes, and communication tips. These sessions provide answers to common questions about dementia and are open to the public.
Starting January 23rd, the four-week Memory and Aging Program will be held on Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM via Zoom. This popular course, developed by Baycrest Hospital, covers brain health, memory changes, and practical tips for maintaining memory. A workbook is included.
One of the key events is “Talk with the Doc” on January 22nd, featuring Dr. Alexandrea Peel, a local geriatrician. This Zoom session will help families plan ahead for medical decisions related to dementia. Participants can register on the Alzheimer’s Society website. The main presentation will be recorded, but the Q&A session will not.
Movies related to dementia will be shown at the Huron County Museum in Goderich and the Stratford Library. “Dear Audrey” and “Head Full of Honey” will be featured, offering insights into the lives of those affected by dementia.
Through all these events and educational tools, Sears hopes to create a space where people aren’t afraid to talk about Alzheimer’s or ask questions.
The Alzheimer’s Society provides various support programs, including family counseling, caregiver support groups, and the Minds in Motion recreation program. These initiatives help individuals and families cope with dementia and stay connected.
For more details on these events and how to participate, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website or contact their office.
Written by: K. Milhomens