Bridging Education and Community for Families Facing Dementia

Dale (not his real name) admits to being in fear and denial since learning of his wife Julia’s (not her real name) Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in February 2022. Her behavioral shifts, like not engaging in activities she once enjoyed, had him feeling uncertain.

Connecting with The Salvation Army London Village proved pivotal for the couple. Julia is active in the Adult Day Program at London Village, which supports seniors diagnosed with cognitive impairments or individuals in frail health through therapeutic recreational activities in an inclusive environment. Julia attends three days a week, while Dale took part in the innovative Companions in Care session, which provides education and peer support for caregivers.

“The staff are amazing. Everybody knows Julia by name, and everyone recognizes who you are,” Dale shares. “The folks are so attentive to things that I would not have a clue about. My daughters were anxious for me to get support because they realized that if I go down, we’re in deep trouble.”

Dale now manages his wife’s condition with compassionate acceptance and practical determination. Julia is mostly non-communicative and has trouble explaining her needs. The couple are working through these new challenges together, just as they have during their 52 years of marriage.

“We’ve always been positive in the way we look at life regardless, so it’s like ‘what do we do and how do we deal with it?’” Dale says. “I am going to do everything in my power and in our power to be at home for as long as we possibly can. We do fairly well in getting things done.”

With twice a week at-home visits from a personal support worker and Julia attending London Village, Dale makes time for his own health and well-being. He now socializes with friends, assists family, and indulges in hobbies. Most of all though, he ensures Julia receives the best possible care and social inclusion.

Education and Understanding

Companions in Care teaches the signs and signals common in the development of Alzheimer’s and dementia; the stages of the conditions and what to expect; managing bereavement, grief, loss and end stages of life; and self-care when supporting loved ones. The final week gathers caregivers and their loved ones around the table for dinner and fellowship.

London Village chaplain Shelley Oseil says similar services offer either educational opportunities or peer support for caregivers, but not both, while Companions in Care packages these practical solutions together. The transformative program isn’t just about learning; it’s about finding strength and solace to see each other through the process.

“This Salvation Army program sheds light on the realities of dementia and Alzheimer’s, while providing a safe space to share joys, frustrations, humorous anecdotes and challenges, free from any judgment or guilt,” Shelley says.

Positive Response

Dale and the 16 other participants say Companions in Care is invaluable in equipping them with tools to navigate the challenges of caring for loved ones with dementia. They expressed gratitude for the camaraderie and support it provides.

“This program was very good on all counts,” one participant says. “I felt the mix of our group also enhanced the benefit, as everyone is different. We are all on different paths and stages in the dementia journey and this helped me immensely.”

To support essential Salvation Army services in London and across Ontario, visit www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.