New Resource for caregivers dealing with dementia patients wandering

Did you know that 60 percent of people living with dementia will wander at some point during their disease? The Alzheimer Society of B.C is excited to release two new resources about wandering and dementia, Disorientation and Getting Lost: A guide for people living with dementia and Wandering and Dementia: A guide for caregivers. These guides have replaced the Society’s pre-existing Wandering Package. These new resources can assist people living with dementia and their families to explore a variety of practical strategies to minimize the risk of wandering or getting lost and to be prepared if an incident does occur.

Each guide was reviewed by the Dementia Friendly Communities B.C. Leadership Group of Caregivers and People Living with Dementia. Their lived experience and expertise helped to ensure these resources are relevant and meaningful for their respective populations. 

It is important to take proactive steps to understand wandering behaviour. Even if you are not currently concerned that you or the person you are caring for may become lost, it's a good idea to be prepared ahead of time. It is also helpful to remember that multiple strategies are recommended to reduce the risk of a person wandering. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is here to assist people living with dementia and their families to explore these options. For additional information or support, contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre or call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (toll-free).

Click on the links to download Disorientation and Getting Lost: A guide for people living with dementia and Wandering and Dementia: A guide for caregivers. 

Canada Needs a National Seniors Strategy

This is written in support of the CMA of Canada and their campaign for a National Seniors Strategy. I received this email from the Canadian Medical Association of Canada and I thought I would share.

Today Sunday, October 1, is National Seniors Day in Canada. While we reflect on the countless contributions made by our seniors over the years to help build this country, let’s remind ourselves – and everyone who will listen – that they deserve better

You’ve heard the stories. From accessing medication to proper long-term care services, our health care system was not designed to meet the needs of an ageing population. As such, we must now work together to create and implement a national vision for senior’s care in Canada.

Therefore, we ask you to share a letter with your elected officials, your friends and family in your community and help us build this movement, which is already 51,000 strong, and call on our federal government for a commitment to our seniors.

Providing the best care for our seniors should not be an ambitious goal. Our seniors deserve better and we must work together to get there.

Thank you,

Canadian Medical Association

Medical issues can change your life

My son's best friend just heard some bad news about his father and was quite upset. The father had a problem with his leg and went into the hospital tomorrow for an operation, where he was told he may lose his leg. 

Evidently, Barry had been feeling pain in his leg for a while but only went to the doctor, when the leg became too painful and was turning purple. I have heard of Barry over the years but had never met him until a few weeks ago, when we spent an evening together. I appreciated his wit, positive outlook and reflection about life. 

I hope that the operation is successful and they repair the problem without Barry having to lose his leg. I saw that my son was upset as over the years he had grown close to Barry. It is distressing when a friend is going through a difficult medical situation, as it is tricky to know what to do to help.

We have a good medical system so we know that Barry will have the best of care, and he will over time recover. My thoughts go out to Barry, and his son James and his family as they face this upcoming medical crises, and we will be there for them in any way we can.

Update, Barry had his operation and it was a blood clot that was causing his problem, his leg is saved, and he is on the road to recovery. They just have to find out and get rid of the blood clot problem. Good News

Who are you?

You have retired or are thinking of retiring, time to set new goals and start off on another great adventure on this road of life. Maybe it is time to define or re-define who you are. So with that in mind, here are some questions for you to think about: (Pay close attention to the last two questions)

So who are you?

Are you your name?

Are you your job?

Are you your gender? Your age? Your race? Your sexual orientation?

Are you the daughter/son of.... or mother/father of....?

How do you see yourself?

How do you want the world to see you?