Alzheimer Support Group to hold its first meeting in RR

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Over the course of the year there are many fundraising activities for the Kenora-Rainy River Alzheimer Society. So what is all the money raised used for? The answer includes various programs with all the locally raised money staying local.
This Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010, Jim Shearer of the KRR Alz. Soc. will be at the Covenant Church in Rainy River to introduce the community to two programs. From 1:30-3:00 p.m. A support group session will be held.
“Alzheimer’s disease can leave those with the disease and their family feeling isolated. Sometimes it helps to talk to other people who are experiencing the same feelings, frustrations and challenges. Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts offers support groups to provide an opportunity to meet and learn from others who are experiencing the same journey. These sessions will provide you with information and techniques that will help improve the quality of life with the disease,” said Lynn Moffatt, Executive Director for KRR Alz. Soc. “We are working towards bringing more support services and sessions to the Rainy River Districts to help those families and individuals coping with Alzheimer.”
This is the first support group in Rainy River offered by the Alzheimer Society. The first support group session will provide individuals with an opportunity to get acquainted and take the next step.
Another program the Record reported on earlier this year, Safely Home, will have a registration session at 3:30 p.m. that day. When a person who has Alzheimer Disease wanders off it can be a frightening experience for family members and caregivers. However, the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have developed a program called Safely Home to help both the lost and those worried about them.
Registration is voluntary, but for a one time fee of $35, a person with Alzheimer Disease can have personal information listed on a national data base. They also receive an I.D. bracelet and I.D. card. This serves to benefit both parts of the equation. For family and caregivers they can call the police and provide them with the person’s I.D. number and alert officers who to look for. For someone with Alzheimers they may be unable to recognize familiar places or even remember their own name. In the latter case the police can use the I.D. number from the bracelet or card to find out where they belong and who to contact.
The session will be held at the Rainy River Evangelical Church. People can show up or pre register for the sessions.
The KRR Alz. Soc. also will be offering the First Link Learning Series start in January
It will begin with “The Next Steps for Families.”
This 3-part series provides an introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. This series also offers an opportunity to connect with others embarking on a similar journey. This is ideal for family caregivers and friends of persons with dementia who are presently living at home or in a retirement residence. Topics include: What is dementia? Adapting to brain changes, Planning ahead and Building a circle of support.
Date: January 26th, February 23rd, March 23rd (Wednesdays)
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Evangelical Covenant Church, Rainy River
For more information on any of these programs or to sign-up, please call 1-800-682-0245 or e-mail: info@alzheimerkrr.com.