Updates from ASNS

October 15, 2020 - Statement on In-Person Programming at ASNS

In March, due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent Public Health Restrictions, we postponed all our in-person programming and all ASNS events, until further notice. As of Friday, October 15, 2020, we have decided to continue with this postponement of our in-person programs and events.

While we understand that the eagerness to get back to our programs, events, and other supports, the health and safety of our staff, partners, supporters, and those we serve must remain our top priority. In the meantime, we have moved some programming to an online format, including bi-weekly public education sessions, and have plans for other events. We continue to work to offer more online.

We will continue to monitor recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Government of Nova Scotia, and public health officials in Nova Scotia and will provide updates on our programs, supports and events, as they become available.

We are grateful for your support and understanding of these precautionary measures, and we can’t wait to see you again when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, you can find out more about our public education sessions here and can call us to learn more about how we have adapted other supports and events during the pandemic. As always, you can call our toll-free and confidential telephone support line, InfoLine at 902-422-7961 or 1-800-611-6345 (toll free within Nova Scotia).

 

May 13, 2020 — To Our Frontline Workers: We Say "Thank You"

A message to you from us! Watch our video and read our blog post here.

Back by popular demand! Join us this Friday as we discuss the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia. Register now for our latest Virtual Meeting!      

Are you looking for inspiration for your IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's Online event? Click here for some hilarious and creative ideas! Sign up today for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's Online at www.walkns.ca

 

May 6, 2020 — Stay Home. Stay Safe. Stay Connected with Us

Have you been tuning into our Virtual Meetings on Friday afternoons? If you haven't been able to make it - don't sweat it! We have recorded and shared previous sessions on our YouTube channel so you can watch at a time that works for you. Click here to watch the playlist. Don't forget to sign up for our latest meeting this Friday, May 8th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (AST). This week we will be discussing 'Caring for Ourselves during COVID-19'. Click here to register now.

Looking for a rainy day activity? Why not spend some time creating fun and simple artwork! Try our first Virtual Artful Afternoon session inspired by the work of historical 'still lives' from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia's Permanent Collection! Watch the online tutorial here.

We all know someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. When you walk, you're sending a message of hope to Nova Scotians living with dementia and thousands more who care for them. When you fundraise, you're promising them that help will always be available. Sign up today for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's Online at www.walkns.ca 

 

April 30, 2020 — Making Connections that Count

At ASNS, our connection to you is important. Hear from Linda Bird, Director of Programs and Services, to find out why in our latest blog post. Read it here.

Join us for our third education session taking place this Friday, April 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (AST). This week we will be talking about 'Understanding Behaviours During COVID-19'. Register in advance here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Save the Date! This Sunday, May 3rd, we will be sharing our first Virtual Artful Afternoon Session. The session will be pre-recorded and posted here so that you can participate at a time that works for you. With the guidance of an artist from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, you will have the chance to use various techniques and create your own ‘still life’ scenes from objects and scenes in your home. We hope you enjoy it and we look forward to seeing your artwork!

COVID-19 has changed the world – and our community– as we know it. Amongst the chaos, one thing stands true: Nova Scotia’s strength of spirit. It is in our first responders, our health care heroes, essential workers, neighbours helping neighbours and it is in YOU. That’s why this year for The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s we are still planning to come together as a community for an Online Walk.

We are asking participants to hold their own Walk events in whatever manner suits their situation. You can fundraise and register just like always, but your event might look a little different. You could do a 5km walk around your neighborhood, have a family dance party in your living room, or your walk team can have a stair climbing competition. Whatever works for your team, your family, and your situation. Visit www.walkns.ca to sign up today!

 

April 22, 2020 — A New Way To Connect

Join us on Friday afternoons for information and conversation about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Connect with us via ZOOM, a free online video tool. Our second session will take place this Friday, April 24th, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. AST. We will be talking about engaging people living with dementia during COVID-19.

The meeting is no cost, but you must register in advance here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please share with others who may find this helpful!

Artful Afternoon Virtual Program
Join us May 3rd for our first Virtual Artful Afternoon Session exploring the historical genre of ‘still life’ art! The session will be pre-recorded and posted here so that you can participate at a time that works for you. With the guidance of an artist from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, you will have the chance to use various techniques and create your own ‘still life’ scenes from objects and scenes in your home. We look forward to seeing your artwork!

Supporting Nova Scotians on the Dementia Journey
We know that our connections to people living with dementia matter. That’s why our priority in response to the pandemic is to ensure that people living with dementia and their family caregivers continue to receive the lifeline support through our toll-free InfoLine. We are also working together to implement creative solutions using technology to continue offering our support and educations programs. It is our hope that these programs help families overcome the social isolation that we all are feeling.

It is because of the generosity of donors that we can continue to help our clients and families during these uncertain times. But the reality is, we need help now more than ever. We need our donors’ support to stay staffed and responsive.

Please make your donation today to ensure that supports are there for those who are the most vulnerable.

Donate Now!

 

April 15, 2020 — Making Our Connections Matter
 

Staying Connected With Our Community
During this time not only have we remained fully operational, but we have also been exploring new ways to share and educate. We’re excited to invite you to join us on Friday afternoons for information and conversation about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Join us for our first meeting this Friday, April 17, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. AST. This week we will be talking about the signs and symptoms of dementia. Connect with us via ZOOM, a free online video tool. The meeting is no cost, but you must register in advance here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please share with others who may find this helpful. We hope you can join us – our connections matter!
 

Artful Afternoon Virtual Program
We are excited to share that our dementia-friendly art program, Artful Afternoon, is going virtual! An artist from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will guide us through an art project created with common household materials. Be sure to join us for some art therapy from the comfort of your home. Stay tuned for more details in next week’s eblast!

Supporting Nova Scotians on the Dementia Journey
We know that our connections to people living with dementia matter. That’s why our priority in response to the pandemic is to ensure that people living with dementia and their family caregivers continue to receive the lifeline support through our toll-free InfoLine. We are also working together to implement creative solutions using technology to continue offering our support and educations programs. It is our hope that these programs help families overcome the social isolation that we all are feeling.

It is because of the generosity of donors that we can continue to help our clients and families during these uncertain times. But the reality is, we need help now more than ever. We need our donors’ support to stay staffed and responsive.

Please make your donation today to ensure that supports are there for those who are the most vulnerable.

Donate Now!

 

April 9, 2020 — How to Stay Connected this Easter

With the self-isolation measures likely putting a wrench in your holiday plans, many families in Nova Scotia are changing the way they celebrate this upcoming Easter weekend. 

The good news is it’s almost never been easier to stay connected with family and friends even when they’re miles away, thanks to the many different video chat options available. Visit here for tips on virtual visits.  

Keeping People Living With Dementia Engaged

Helping to keep people living with dementia engaged and active can be challenging at the best of times, but throw in a winter storm or a global pandemic and those regular go to’s can get stale rather quickly.

We’ve put together a list of creative online and offline ideas on our website to keep you and your person with dementia involved and connected during this trying time. Many of these can be used throughout most of the stages of dementia, just remember to adjust activities as the disease progresses.
 

Reducing Caregiver Stress

It can be a rewarding experience to support a person with dementia, but it can also be demanding and stressful during uncertain times like COVID-19. For tips on how to manage caregiver anxiety and stress levels visit here.

We Need Your Support
 

As Nova Scotians, we look out for each other, now more than ever. That is why it is important that we stay fully operational to support those on the dementia journey. We have increased our telephone support coverage and are creating resources to meet the needs of those caring for someone with dementia either at home, or from afar.

We need your support now, so we can continue to help. Please consider making a donation. We are all in this together.

Donate Now!

 

March 30, 2020 — As the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolves here in Nova Scotia, it's our priority to make sure that those affected by dementia continue to feel connected and supported. 

We have increased our ability to respond to calls on our toll-free and confidential InfoLine. Call us at 1-800-611-6345 and leave a detailed message. A member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We’re here to support you as we navigate through this crisis, whether that’s by providing advice, guidance, or being a listening ear during this difficult time.

We know it can be a time of change and transition for people living with dementia, their caregivers, and their families. Below are tips on how to prepare and adapt to life with dementia amidst the current situation:
 
People with dementia who live alone

• Ensure you have adequate supplies and have a plan for what you will do if you become unwell
• Practice physical distancing, but not social isolation.
• As much as possible, try to maintain your routine. Remain active, physically and mentally.

 Caregivers and family members

• Have a plan in the event that you become ill or need to self-quarantine.
• Expand your circle of care. Ask family members, friends, or neighbours if they can step in if you are unable to continue caring for the person due to illness or quarantine.
• Have a plan for visitors. If the person receives in-home support services, such as home care, cleaning or meal delivery, have hand sanitizer available for everyone to use before and after the visit.
• Take care of yourself. Your health is important, too. Do not ignore it. Reach out for support. If you have questions or need support, contact us. We’re here to help.

Caregivers of individuals in long-term care 

Long-term care facilities are currently closed to all visitors to protect the residents and it can be difficult if you are unable to see your family member.

Here are some ways you can stay connected:

• Ask the facility how you can have contact with your family member. Option may include telephone calls, video chats, or even emails to check in.
• If your family member is unable to engage in calls or video chats, ask the facility how you can keep in touch with facility staff in order to get updates.

As Nova Scotians, we look out for each other, now more than ever. That is why it is important that we stay fully operational to support those on the dementia journey. We have increased our telephone support coverage and are creating resources to meet the needs of those caring for someone with dementia either at home, or from afar.

We need your support now, so we can continue to help.

Please consider making a donation here. We are all in this together. 
 

March 18, 2020 — To all our clients, volunteers, donors, community partners, and supporters - how are you and your family doing? I want you to know that we are thinking about you during these challenging times and hope that you are safe and healthy.  

I also want you to know that the Society is here for you on your dementia journey. It means that we are embracing the recommendation of social distancing, but are still working to help Nova Scotians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. 

What does that look like? 

• We have increased our ability to respond to calls to our toll-free and confidential InfoLine. If you have questions or concerns about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias call us at 1-800-611-6345, a member of our team will be able to speak with you and support you. 
• We are looking at creative ways to offer you programming. In the meantime you can watch our Family Caregiver Education Series online.
• We continue to operate, however, we have closed the office to outside visitors and volunteers. You can still reach us through email or over the phone. Click here for our staff directory.

We have many resources available on our website, including resources on COVID-19, caregiving, and how to engage people in meaningful activities. We will be updating it with additional information and tip sheets over the next couple of weeks. 

As the situation changes daily, know that we are here to help. Call us 1-800-611-6345. The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia pride ourselves on being there to support those we exist to serve. While the external situation is uncertain, we are committed to maintaining our services at this challenging time. 

We’re here for you. We’ll keep in close contact in the coming weeks.  

Be well, 
John Britton, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia 

 

March 16, 2020 — The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is closely monitoring developments related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of our clients, volunteers, staff, and stakeholders is our top priority.

As the situation continues to evolve, we will be taking a proactive approach to protecting the health and safety of everyone in our communities based on direction provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Government of Nova Scotia, and public health officials in Nova Scotia.

Our foremost commitment is to continue to serve Nova Scotians affected by dementia. We will continue to operate, however, we are closed to outside volunteers and visitors.

We understand the crucial information, education, and support our Alzheimer InfoLine provides for both people living with dementia and their care partners, and we will continue to offer this service.

With the continuation of social distancing being advised wherever possible to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, we will be postponing all in person programs. We will reach out to all program participants regarding the status of their program. If you attend a program and/or group and have questions, please contact us at 1-800-611-6345. We are currently exploring other ways we can deliver our services to clients and we will keep you updated.

We are grateful for your support and understanding of the precautionary measures we have put in place. The health and safety of our community members is paramount to us.

As we look to meet the increased need, you can support the Society by donating here.