Welcome
Lisa Poole, shown here with her father, John. Photo by Erin Brooke Burns.
People living with dementia want to lead full lives, and with the right support, they can. If we focus on how to help people with dementia live well, and if we create welcoming communities, then our friends, neighbours and relatives impacted by dementia can continue to enjoy a life with meaning and purpose.
Dementia Network Calgary is a collective of people from the private, public and non-profit sectors who are working together to raise awareness about dementia, reduce stigma, provide opportunities for people with dementia to connect to the community, and ensure that the dementia workforce has the skills and training necessary to provide high-quality, individualized care and social support. Anybody interested is welcome to join the network.
Quality care includes a thorough understanding of dementia, treating people living with dementia with respect, focusing on their strengths and providing opportunities for engagement that align with individual interests and abilities.
“Our friends, neighbours and relatives impacted by dementia can continue to enjoy a life with meaning and purpose.”
The recently released Alberta Dementia Strategy and Action Plan includes measures we can take to improve dementia care and provide better support for people living with dementia and their families. This highly anticipated document is a giant step forward for people impacted by dementia in Alberta.
Age-Friendly Calgary is a City of Calgary initiative aimed at helping Calgary become a more accessible city for those who require extra support, including people with dementia. Some Calgary establishments that have taken steps to become dementia-friendly are featured in this magazine (starting on page 24). We hope to see more businesses and organizations follow their lead.
We’re delighted by the fabulous response to the first issue of Dementia Connections magazine. Thanks for all the positive feedback and support. Please continue to send us your stories and suggestions. [ ]
With Gratitude
Thank you to everyone who made a memorial tribute via The Alzheimer Society in honour of Bill Kearns, a beloved Calgarian who had dementia and passed away on Sept. 27, 2017. We deeply appreciate your support.
SHARE THIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
