Local Woman assumes duties at K-RR Alzheimers Society

By Ken Johnston
Editor

It is likely that you know someone who has been either directly or indirectly affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. For that reason the Kenora-Rainy River Alzheimer Society (KRRAS) has placed staff in both the Kenora and Rainy River Districts to help patients, caregivers and family members deal with its effects.

On July 3, 2013, Mary O’Connor of Rainy River assumed the duties of the Rainy River District Client Services Coordinator for KRRAS. She replaced Eleanor Barron who retired.

O’Connor has been involved with the disease and the society in several ways over the years. A close family member has the disease and Mary has been a volunteer with the local Touch Quilts program.
It was actually the quilts that saw her stumble upon the job opening. She saw that KRRAS was going to be at the RR Trade Show and called to ask if they could pick up the quilts she had collected. “I learned that Eleanor was retiring and that the job was coming open.”

Things then happened quickly for O’Connor. She learned about the job on a Tuesday and the closing date for applying was Thursday.
After years of raising a family and losing her job at Ben Franklin in Baudette she decided to go back to school and in May of 2012 she graduated from Northern College with a Developmental Services diploma. “This job is exactly what I went to school for! I had no idea when I took the course that it would come open,” said O’Connor.
There are two main prongs to her job as Client Services Coordinator. The first one is related to people suffering from Alzheimers or Dementia and those who are caregivers for those afflicted. She receives referrals from the main office in Kenora. Those referrals come to the office from doctors, the Community Care Access Centre, etc.

Once she gets the referral she contacts the people involved and then does an “Intake.” An intake is basically an assessment of needs. “There is so much information I have about the disease and services available and each situation needs to be assessed to best serve them.” She added that sometimes the first visit is to find needs and tell families what is available. “They may not need any help at this time. But because we have done the intake, if they need help some two months down the road, then I can get them help right away.”

The other prong of her job is public education. She will be holding public seminars on various topics. She will also visit schools and whenever possible offer sessions such as the Virtual Dementia Tour. “It gives people perspective on what it is like for a person suffering with dementia,” said O’Connor.

Through education they offer hope for families. “There is so much ongoing research out there and by teaching people what to look for, early diagnosis can help slow the disease down.”

People who have a family member with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can get a referral from their doctor or contact KRRAS toll free at 1-800-682-0245. KRRAS will then contact O’Connor and set the wheels in motion.

She is responsible for providing services to Rainy River in the west and Mine Centre in the east and Nestor Falls in the north.
She noted that both Emo and Fort Frances have Alzheimer’s Support Groups. “Rainy River does not. I think it would be a good thing to get going as it is a big help to have others to talk to with similar experiences or even more experience.”

The KRRAS is also always looking for volunteers to help out with various aspects of the organization. “We will be manning a booth at Emo fair and need volunteers to help!”
Alzheimers Facts
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, accounts for approximately 64% of all dementias in Canada. Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain. It erases memory, steals the ability to think, and makes simple daily tasks, such as eating or getting dressed, impossible. It robs independence and eventually, takes life.

Alzheimer’s disease affects men and women of all races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. It is not a normal part of aging and no one is immune. During the course of the disease, the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the death of brain cells.

“Early onset” is an inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease that strikes between the ages of 30 and 60. Although genetics play a role in the disease, only 5% to 7% of people diagnosed have early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Today, Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada.