The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are not a normal part of aging. The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan has been encouraging people not to ignore early warning signs, and it has created a service to provide early support to those diagnosed with dementia.
"Access to support and information early in their disease is important as it helps them to develop competency and resiliency in facing their journey with dementia," says Joanne Bracken, CEO of the society.
Bracken made her comments at the official grand opening of the society's Prairie North Resource Centre, celebrating the expansion of the Alzheimer Society's First Link program as well as Alzheimer Awareness Month. First Link, a trademarked referral program, provides education throughout the disease process, linkages to support services and access to dementia-specific expertise. It's been used by the Saskatchewan society since 2007, with access points having been in Saskatoon and Regina only until last year.
As a result of a $400,000 annual commitment from the provincial government, the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan has been establishing four more resource centres. Centres in Swift Current and North Battleford held their grand openings this past week. Prince Albert's centre has been open since September and will hold its grand opening later this month. Weyburn is also open.
The Prairie North Resource Centre is located at Battlefords Regional Care Centre. Prairie North Health Region, as another partner in the project, is providing the space needed at no cost.
"It's so important that we have government and health regions as our partners," said Braken. "Partnerships are a key component of the success of the First Link program. Being part of the community where our clients live is critical."
Jim Walls, who recently retired as the director of social work for the health region, has taken the position of First Link co-ordinator. Walls, National Social Work Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2011, comes from a career in continuing care and geriatrics with positions in Weyburn, Melfort, London, Ont. and the Battlefords.
"He brings a wealth of experience that will benefit people with dementia and families in this region, said Bracken at the ribbon cutting event Wednesday. "It is clear he is doing his heart's work as a First Link co-ordinator in the Battlefords area."
Bracken said, as First Link co-ordinator, Walls connects with professionals, encouraging them to refer their patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease or other dementia to proactively contact the Alzheimer Society. Once the referral is made, he contacts the person with dementia and their family members, linking them to the Alzheimer Society services and other programs and services within their community and region, said Bracken.
"We know that it's difficult for people affected by dementia to ask for help," she said. First Link removes barriers and increases access to essential support.
"First Link has several benefits to the person with dementia and their family because early intervention provides an opportunity for people with dementia to have a voice in planning their own care while they are able to do so," said Bracken. "Clients talk about having an improved ability to navigate the health care system and that the ongoing support that's provided throughout the continuum of the disease helps them cope better."
Bracken also said caregivers are reporting they have become knowledgeable about the progression of the disease and are more confident in their care giving role.
"We know people want to stay in their homes and their communities as long as possible,' said Bracken. "First Link and its partnerships help us achieve that common goal."
Bracken thanked the government of Saskatchewan for its support and the Prairie North Health Region for its partnership as well.
"Very early on in my career, I learned to ask for what you need, and to let people know how they can be part of your success," said Bracken, "and Prairie North came through for us."
Lionel Chabot, vice-president of operations and finance for Prairie North Health Region, attended the grand opening, bringing greetings on behalf of CEO David Fan and the board of directors. Chabot said when the Alzheimer Society came to the June board meeting they were looking for a place to host the resource centre. Since space could be found at the long-term care facility of BDCC, "it made perfect sense" to locate it there.
"Partnerships are a key component of our mission statement," said Chabot. "This partnership is one of the things we want to be part of. It certainly fits well within our mission statement."
Chabot also said, "As an organization, we know the more work we can do on the front end of any kind of elderly care the better, and the more individuals are able to stay home and avoid that final institutionalization - maybe avoid it altogether."
He said, for Prairie North, there's not only a moral and ethical obligation, but a financial obligation.
"It's much better to spend money we'd spend on institutionalization on the front end."
Representing the government of Saskatchewan and Minister of Health Dustin Duncan, Saskatoon Eastview MLA Corey Tochor. With 18,000 in Saskatchewan dealing with Alzheimer disease or other forms of dementia, government funding is aimed at ensuring timely access to help.
The First Link program was first initiated in 2006 as a result of recommendations of A Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias, developed in January 2005 by the Provincial Advisory Committee of Older Persons in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.
First Link was founded in Ontario 10 years ago. The program is now in place in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, in addition to Saskatchewan.
During the grand opening in North Battleford, Bracken also paid tribute to the former manager of BDCC, Carol Dyck, who retired a year ago. Dyck, said Bracken, is an honorary member of the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, served on the board for six years and is a past president.
"Our volunteers and our board had the vision to expand our services across the province," said Bracken. "We are a volunteer-based organization and want to recognize Carol as providing the vision and the strategic direction for us in being able to move forward so successfully."
On the weekend, the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan held a Walk for Memories during Alzheimer Awareness Month at the NationsWEST Field House in North Battleford.
The indoor walk is held every January. Walkers collect pledges prior to the event and walk in support of memory of people affected by Alzheimer disease and other dementias. In addition to walking on the track, the event also included kids' activities, food and beverages and prizes for the top fundraisers.
