CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Island is marking Alzheimer’s Awareness Month by teaming up with colleagues across Canada for #ConnectionsMatter.
Now, more than ever, connections really do matter for people living with dementia and their care partners, as COVID-19 has had a significant impact on how people connect. It’s important to physically distance but not socially isolate.
This year, the Alzheimer Society is letting the experts do the talking – people like Michelle Thompson, a family care partner.
At a glance
- Currently, there are 2,700 Islanders living with Alzheimer’s.
- Building connections that matter is at the heart and soul of what the Alzheimer Society of P.E.I. does.
- To learn more about how to stay connected, contact the society at 902-628-2257 or email [email protected] to access additional resources, support and educational opportunities.
Thompson talks about the importance of connections and why they really do matter.
“My husband David recently lost his battle with Alzheimer’s after many years with me as caregiver and a final nine months in full-time residential care. I would say it’s crucial to get connected in the dementia/ memory care community – take every opportunity to get personal contacts with all the care players and as many educational resources as possible.”
Thompson urges people to connect with the Alzheimer’s Society and share their story.
She says it’s especially important now and post-pandemic.
“It matters. Join a support group – Zoom or in person when it’s safely possible – as soon as you even suspect you might be on the dementia journey. I remember thinking even four years back, ‘should I be here? Are we really that far along?’ The answer is yes, it’s never too early to start looking ahead and learning from others what’s coming. Scary as that is, it helps carve the path.”
"I would say it’s crucial to get connected in the dementia/ memory care community – take every opportunity to get personal contacts with all the care players and as many educational resources as possible.”
- Michelle Thompson
Sharing the stories of Islanders will ignite a more open and supportive dialogue around dementia and give confidence to others to live well and continue to build connections that matter.
The Alzheimer Society has also launched a four-part short film series that follows Alicia, a beautiful, vibrant mother and grandmother who lives with Alzheimer’s, and her family, as they confront this disease head-on and share their story, struggle and moments of connection.
To follow along and watch Alicia and her family’s story this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, visit bit.ly/alicia-story.
