Alzheimer Society of Manitoba


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	When an individual receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, they are not the only ones who are affected. Dementia can profoundly impact the lives of those closest to the person, including caregivers, family members, and friends. People who are caring for someone with dementia will experience the challenges associated with the disease in their own unique way. It is important to recognize that there are many different approaches to supporting someone with dementia, and caregivers often need to explore a variety of techniques and strategies to determine what works best for them. Caregiving can be extremely challenging, both physically and emotionally. As the disease progresses, you may be required to provide different types of support, from assisting with financial decisions to helping the person complete everyday tasks. At times this may feel overwhelming. But there is hope. By educating yourself about dementia and learning caregiving techniques, you have the ability to maintain quality of life for both you and the person you are caring for. Caregiving can often become a 24-hour-a-day job. Recognize that you cannot travel alone in your journey with dementia. You and your family member will benefit greatly from the help of those around you who care, including friends and family members. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is here to provide you with support and information as you learn to cope with dementia, both now and in the future. ANGER/FRUSTRATION AND DEMENTIA Feelings of loss of control and building frustration combined with the physical changes caused by the disease may cause a person with dementia to have emotional reactions to situations. Read through the potential causes, prevention and ways to respond . Read more... COMMUNITY RESOURCES When caring for a person with dementia, it is important to be knowledgeable about the resources that are available. To assist you, a compilation of helpful community resources are listed in this factsheet. Read more... CREATING A SAFE HOME FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA Ways to assist a person with dementia to live safely in their own home are outlined in this information sheet. Tips for increasing safety in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living areas and outdoors are detailed. Read more... DEMENTIA A summary of the more common forms of dementia including the description, causes, symptoms and progression of each – Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemporal Dementia. Read more... ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE Practical guidelines and cueing strategies that promote the independence of a person with dementia are discussed. These additional supports are valuable when the person’s abilities change as the disease progresses. Read more... CAREGIVER EDUCATION AND SUPPORT MEETINGS Information about support groups for caregivers facilitated throughout Manitoba – benefits, facilitators, how to join and a listing of the support groups’ times and locations. Read more... CARING FOR FINANCIAL MATTERS It is strongly recommended that a person with dementia, their family, their health care proxy and their power of attorney discuss legal, financial and health matters as early as possible after a person has been diagnosed. Find practical information about financial matters that will help the person with dementia and the power of attorney make decisions that are in the best interest of the person. Read more... ALZHEIMER’S HELPLINE Information about the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba HELPLINE – a resource that answers questions about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, provides counseling and information about community resources. Read more... LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Details about these information workshop are listed (visit the family education page on the website for upcoming dates and registration information). Read more... MEDICATIONS FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Information is provided about Pharmacare coverage by Manitoba Health and how benefit coverage for some medications for Alzheimer’s disease are obtained. Read more... PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Plan early to have a voice in your future. This checklist will assist you and your family as you prepare for important health, personal, financial and legal decisions. Read more... RESPECTING THE PERSON WITH DEMENTIA Ways to assist the person while maintaining their sense of identity and self worth are discussed in this factsheet. Information on how to recognize and support strengths, respect the person’s future and reminisce about things of the past are highlighted. Read more... SELECTING ACTIVITIES Guidelines on how to assist a person with dementia choose and enjoy leisure activities. Suggestions on a wide range of activities are listed in this information sheet. Read more... SEXUALITY AND INTIMACY IN DEMENTIA A person with dementia may experience changes in sexual desire or behave in ways that are not considered socially appropriate. This factsheet suggests some of the reasons why these behaviours may occur, ways to meet the needs of the person and approaches to challenging situations. Read more... SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA Information about the benefits, how to join and the schedule of the support groups facilitated in Winnipeg by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Read more... SPECIAL OCCASIONS A practical resource that identifies tips for assisting a person with dementia at a special occasion or events. Ideas for caregivers planning special occasions are included. Read more... TRAVELLING A person with dementia may experience changes in abilities that make it harder for them to cope with change in surroundings and daily routines. Traveling with someone with dementia requires thought and planning. This factsheet provide some tips to keep in mind to make the trip easier. Read more... UNDERSTANDING WANDERING BEHAVIOUR Being active is an important part of the lifestyle of a person with dementia. Because of changes in the person’s ability to remember they may be at risk of wandering. This factsheet lists some common reasons for and how to prevent wandering. Read more... GETTING THE MOST FROM A VISIT TO YOUR DOCTOR Good communication between the doctor, the person with dementia and their caregiver is very crucial. Here you will find ways to prepare for your visit, what questions to ask and things to do after the doctor’s visit. Read more... VISITING – A WAY TO STAY CONNECTED Visiting is a traditional way of maintaining connection with important people in your life. A person with dementia finds enjoyment in the companionship that a visit offers. Read through suggested ideas and themes for meaningful visits with a person with dementia. Read more... TELECONFERENCE SUPPORT GROUP FOR CARE PARTNERS OF PEOPLE WITH YOUNGER ONSET DEMENTIA Information about the teleconference support group facilitated by the Alzheimer Society geared to the needs of caregivers of people with younger onset dementia – details about the benefits, facilitators, how to join and contact information. Read more... Keep in mind that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you. Alzheimer Society staff are always available to listen and to provide support. For further information, contact: Cheryl Demasi, Client Service Coordinator 204-943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699 cdemasi@alzheimer.mb.ca Or contact the Alzheimer Society nearest you.