You can become an advocate to support British Columbians living with dementia.
There are many issues of importance to families affected by dementia, but the pandemic has shone a light on problems arising from changing public health orders, social isolation and the strain of B.C.’s health-care system, including:
- The guidelines around long-term visitation and essential visitor status
- The suspension of adult day programs
- The need for caregiver respite.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. believes that family members are an integral part of health-care teams. Balancing the need for safety during outbreaks of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 with the needs of families presents real challenges to the health-care system that will require creative solutions.
British Columbians are invited to register for “Opening the door: Why families are essential to care”, a free virtual event on Jan. 27 from 2 to 3 p.m., featuring Alzheimer Society of B.C. CEO Jen Lyle in conversation with B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie, as they explore the importance of person-centred approaches to dementia care that reflect the essential role families play, both in community and long-term care. ASL interpretation will be available. To register, visit alzbc.org/AAM2022-event.
Are you concerned about dementia?
If you are concerned about dementia or have recently received a diagnosis, you may be feeling anxious about lies ahead for you. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. can help. To learn more about getting a diagnosis or find services for people living with the disease, visit alzheimerbc.org or call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033. You can also learn more through participating in one of our upcoming webinars:
Engaging people living with dementia in decision making: People living with dementia are often excluded from the decision-making process. Join Krista James and Jess Fehrenbacher from the Canadian Centre for Elder Law alongside Myrna Norman as they discuss legal rights relating to decision-making for people living with dementia, compare supported and substitute decision-making, and provide insights gathered from the “Engaging people living with dementia in decision making” project. They will also share how you can get involved with the project and discuss the tools they will be creating to support decision-making for people living with dementia. The webinar is Jan. 26, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
To register, visit: alzbc.org/webinars.
