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Alzheimer Society of B.C. in Nanaimo re-opens for in-person sessions

Online programming will continue for people experiencing dementia and caregivers, society says
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Alzheimer Society of B.C. will again accept in-person sessions, and continue online programming. Pictured here, the Minds in Motion program. (Submitted photo)

People in Nanaimo suffering from dementia and their caregivers will again be offered in-person appointments, says the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

The society paused person-to-person meetings after the pandemic was declared in March 2020, noted a press release, and according to a recent Alzheimer Society of B.C. survey, 58 per cent of caregivers and 62 per cent of people living with dementia saw increased stress due to pandemic-era factors, including long-term social isolation.

To combat this, the society has begun accepting appointments for in-person sessions, while continuing online programming, the press release said, in order to “ensure that Nanaimo residents can access the support they need in ways that work best for them.”

Whatever support method people ultimately decide on, they will be offered education workshops, support groups and the Mind in Motion, a fitness and social program, allowing people in the early stages of dementia and their caregivers to be active and connect with others, the press release said.

Human interaction is important, stated Celia Kowch, Minds in Motion coordinator, in the press release, who added that it is exciting to see people interacting face-to-face again.

“You can see their smiles behind the masks,” said Kowch said. “While many people have decided to return to in-person programs, we know they’re not for everyone. Others may prefer to connect to programming online from home, especially if they live in remote areas or are not ready to travel to physical events.”

Further, stress for caregivers may not be recognized and untreated, which could lead to burnout, and recognizing symptoms is important, noted the release. The society will hold a webinar, entitled Staying healthy in a time of change and uncertainty, offering advice to caregivers and people with dementia, on Wednesday, April 27, at 2 p.m.

For more information about Alzheimer Society of B.C. programming go to http://alzbc.org/programs-services and for information on webinars, go to http://alzbc.org/webinars.

RELATED: Nanaimo asked to set sights high for Alzheimer Society of B.C.


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