May 29, 2020
A consistent and familiar routine is extremely important for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Care partners also rely on support from community care visits, day programs, and regularly scheduled activities. It’s like a house of cards because any change in what’s expected can be very challenging for everyone.
Enter Covid-19; a worldwide pandemic, and the delicate structure becomes shaky, at best.
The branches of the Ottawa Public Library are dementia-friendly public spaces where many of our staff have training in identifying and supporting our customers who struggle with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
During Seniors Month, we’re extending that warm welcome online to offer a virtual Memory Café program. These social gatherings will be casual and informal, including games and reminiscing that might spark memories and conversations, and a light-hearted story will be read aloud. Registration includes 3 weekly sessions. The registration is for both the person with dementia and their care partner together.
Please join us for a presentation by Dr. Frank Knoefel based on his research with the Bruyère Memory Clinic and the use of technology to facilitate aging in place.
Visit the following links for more information from the Ottawa Public Library, the Dementia Society and the Alzheimer’s Society.
VIDEOS:
- Watch streaming videos from the lists linked here on the subject of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, available online through the Ottawa Public Library website.
eBOOKS:
- Creative Care A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care by Anne Basting, PhD
- Diet for the Mind The Latest Science on What to Eat to Prevent Alzheimer's and Cognitive Decline, from Dr. Martha Clare Morris, the Creator of the MIND Diet
- Alzheimer's Disease The Complete Introduction by Judes Poirier
- Forgotten Narratives of Age-related Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease in Canada by Marlene Goldman
- All Things Consoled A Daughter's Story by Elizabeth Hay
Please reach out to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew, if you need more support during the pandemic or at any time.
This blog post was contributed by Tracy Facchin, Stittsville Branch and Program Development.