Dementia and Community Health

Saskatchewan

Meet our new Public Awareness Coordinator and learn more about the work she will be doing to help people across Saskatchewan better understand dementia.

Community members watching a public presentation on a projector screen.

Join us to learn the 10 evidence-based warning signs associated with dementia:

Monday, May 9th @ 6pm CST

Online via Zoom 

Click here to register!

Introducing our Public Awareness Coordinator

My name is Hani Rukh E Qamar, and I am the new Public Awareness Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. I came to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan to contribute to the public health sector, and, although I have only been here for a small period, I already feel like I have been involved in processes that contribute to public and community health across the country. I am passionate about working for an organization that supports people with dementia in all aspects of their lives, and I believe I am doing just that here at the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.

As part of my onboarding, I spent time with every department at the society. Not only did this allow me to actively gain skills in learning about what happens in every department, but it also gave me a chance to learn about my colleagues in a meaningful way. One significant moment from my training is when our Director of Revenue Development helped me to understand the importance of our donors, supporters, and Dementia Friends. Although I am still learning and getting to know the dynamics of my new workplace, one thing is clear: everyone that works at the Alzheimer Society is passionate about the work they do.

This month I got to present my first ABC’s of Dementia presentation to a Psychology 30 class at the Carleton Comprehensive Public High School. It was an incredible experience, and I got the opportunity to educate young people on what dementia is and what the warning signs of dementia are. I have also been working on creating new resources for the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, and I am hoping to go out to the Gordon First Nation Health and Wellness Fair in May to do more outreach work.

I will be hosting my first ABC’s of Dementia presentation on May 9th. If you are interested in learning more about the warning signs of dementia, register here before May 6th to secure your spot! 

I hope that I can create meaningful change in the communities of Saskatchewan, and I hope I am able to engage more of our Dementia Friends, communities, and stakeholders to build more inclusive and accessible environments. The work that we do at the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is immensely important as 60% of people with dementia live in their community. This means that many folks with dementia also face high rates of stigma, which, in turn, can impact their livelihoods immensely. I am so grateful that I get to be a part of an organization that helps build awareness on topics like stigma around dementia.

A picture of our new Public Awareness Coordinator, Hani
Our new Public Awareness Coordinator, Hani Rukh E Qamar

The Society feels ‘right’ to me. I am so happy that I get to be a part of a team that is so devoted to public health, and to empowering people living with dementia and their care partners to live well. I am looking forward to seeing you all soon, whether that is over an online platform or in-person.

Dementia can cause changes in abilities, behaviour, and communication that can affect an individual’s daily life. Becoming aware of these changes – known as the ABC’s of Dementia – can increase our ability to access support and early diagnosis, should we notice these signs in ourselves or others we care about.

Learn the ABC's of Dementia

Monday, May 9th @ 6pm CST

Online via Zoom 

Click here to register!