DEMENTIA IN THE COMMUNITY: DESIGNING INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE PROGRAMS Presentation by the Alzheimer Societies of Grey Bruce & Ontario Parks and Recreation Ontario Conference April 7 2016 Blue Mountain 1
LET S GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER...
3 Key Topics 1) Understanding dementia 2) Brain health and active living 3) Minds in Motion
Understanding dementia 4
Know the Numbers
Characteristics of dementia... Dementia is a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain Dementia affects everyone differently, but most people experience: Loss of memory Loss of judgement and reasoning Changes in their mood and behaviour
Characteristics of dementia... Dementia has 3 characteristics: Progressive Degenerative Irreversible
Common types of dementia: Alzheimer s disease Vascular dementia Frontotemporal dementia Lewy body Mixed dementia Early onset/younger onset dementia Others
Every person with dementia is unique... Cognitive abilities Physical abilities Behaviour Emotions and moods
Every person with dementia is unique... Cognitive abilities Dementia affects a person s communication, decisionmaking, and thought-processing abilities. May include: Trouble remembering or understanding others Confusion Difficulty performing simple tasks Poor judgement
Every person with dementia is unique... Physical abilities The disease can effect a person s physical coordination and mobility, leading to a gradual physical decline May include: Trouble eating A hard time getting dressed
Every person with dementia is unique... Behaviour A person with dementia may start responding differently to their environment May include: Repeating the same action or words Hiding possessions Physical outbursts Restlessness
Every person with dementia is unique... Emotions and moods Dementia can affect the way a person experiences and expresses emotions May include: Appearing uninterested and apathetic Losing interest in things you once enjoyed Becoming more withdrawn Having stronger emotional reactions
Risks people with dementia may face... Fraud or abuse Unsafe environment Isolation Poor health Injury Going missing
We can work together... How can we ensure our communities are dementia friendly? We all play a role
Communicating with a person with dementia... Key requirements for effective communication: Limit distractions Get the person s attention Stay calm and patient
What to avoid when communicating with a person with dementia... Do not argue Avoid asking the person to reason or problem-solve Do not quiz the person Avoid correcting the person s ideas Never scold the person
Brain Health Video
Helping people with dementia live safe and active lives in the community 1 9
Among older adults with Alzheimer s disease, routine/regular physical activity can improve performance of activities of daily living, depression, mobility and balance. -Consensus Statement, Ontario Brain Institute (2013) 2 0
What is Minds in Motion? A community-based social program that incorporates physical and mental stimulation for people with early to midstage signs of Alzheimer s disease and other dementias and their care partners. 2 1
Key messages MiM is an evidence-based program that combines physical and social activities in a structured community setting Preliminary results show improvements in physical function and increased social networks The success of MiM is based on community partnerships and collaboration 2 2
Minds in motion A program of the Alzheimer Society Model developed by the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia Consists of: A once-weekly, two hour program, delivered over eight weeks 1 hour of physical activity 1 hour of mentally stimulating activities Opportunity to socialize and re-engage in the community 2 3
Minds in Motion Up to 22 Participants in each session Fee: $20-30 per couple for the 8 weeks Physical Activity curriculum designed with Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging Volunteer program developed to support program delivery Socialization/mental stimulation activities developed by Brock University and the Alzheimer Society Curriculum available through the Society 2 4
Provincial partnerships Funding Partners March 2014- March 2016: Ontario Brain Institute Ontario Trillium Foundation Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Program Delivery and Evaluation Partners: Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging Parks and Recreation Ontario Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario Brock University Waterloo University York University 2 5
Program Findings: Highlights On average, participants endurance improved by 20% and strength by 15% 80% return rate 40% of program participants report engaging in more than 3additional hours of physical activity per week as a result of MiM participation 2 6
Program Findings: Highlights 79% report that they are seeking other opportunities to participate in community programs as a result of MIM 90% of recreation centre staff volunteers, students identify an increase in their knowledge related to older adults and/or dementia
The Grey Bruce Experience Hearing from Carol and Ute... 2 8
Our experience has shown: Welcoming environment: buildings, staff, volunteers Builds community through relationships at all levels Inclusive - decreases isolation Accessible, safe - easier to engage Normalizing Nourishing for mind, body and spirit Client Community Partner ASGB 2 9
What we have observed: Fun: laughter is a core ingredient Participants care about one another s journeys, provide support Acceptance for who you are Builds and develops self-awareness, selfesteem, confidence Healing - focus I can do vs what I can t do Outcome - healthier quality of life Sense of belonging - community Supportive community network 3 0
Let s get moving! 3 1
Now what? Get in contact with your Local Alzheimer Society for dementia training for staff Contact us for more information on running Minds in Motion or increasing accessibility for people with dementia in your programs and services Become a dementia friend! 3 2
CONTACT US! WWW.MINDSINMOTION.CA Felicia White fwhite@alzheimeront.org 416 847 8933 Carol McCurdy cmccurdy@alzheimergreybruce.com 519-376-7230 3 3
THANK YOU! 3 4