Dale (not his real name) admits to being in fear and denial since learning of his wife Julia\u2019s (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.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0health\u00a0through 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.<\/p>\n
“The staff are amazing. Everybody knows Julia by name, and everyone recognizes who you are,\u201d Dale shares. \u201cThe 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\u2019re in deep trouble.”<\/p>\n
Dale now manages his wife\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ve always been positive in the way we look at life regardless, so it\u2019s like \u2018what do we do and how do we deal with it?\u2019\u201d Dale says. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Education and Understanding<\/strong><\/p>\n
Companions in Care teaches the signs and signals common in the development of Alzheimer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t just about learning; it\u2019s about finding strength and solace to see each other through the process.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Salvation Army program sheds light on the realities of dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s, while providing a safe space to share joys, frustrations, humorous anecdotes and challenges, free from any judgment or guilt,\u201d Shelley says.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Positive Response<\/strong><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis program was very good on all counts,\u201d one participant says.\u00a0\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
To support essential Salvation Army services in London and across Ontario, visit www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dale (not his real name) admits to being in fear and denial since learning of his wife Julia\u2019s (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. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2835,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"location":[],"class_list":["post-2834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-interest"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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