The Alzheimer Society of B.C. would like Vernon residents to know that their programs and services for people on the dementia journey continue to be available to them.
“The society is stronger than ever in the Okanagan region,” said Jean Blake, CEO of the society.
In fact, thanks to $1 million funding from the Ministry of Health Services last September, the society has been able to offer expanded services in six areas of the province, including the North Okanagan. Families on the dementia journey now have access to new programs including Minds in Motion and First Link.
Minds in Motion is a fitness and social program for people experiencing early-stage memory loss, due to Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, and their care partners. The program promotes the concept of healthy living and the establishment of support networks early on. There are two Minds in Motion locations in the Okanagan, one in Kelowna and one in Vernon.
First Link is an early intervention service designed to connect individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia with services and support as soon as possible after diagnosis. Formal referral from physicians and health professionals allows for proactive contact with individuals and families.
“It means we’re able to proactively reach out to individuals who have recently been diagnosed with the disease, provide support sooner to them and their caregivers, and better prepare and support them through their journey with the disease,” said North Okanagan First Link co-ordinator Phyllis Dyck.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. provides services throughout the Okanagan through several resource centres.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is the only province-wide organization providing support, education, and information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through support groups, education programs, telephone workshops, and the Dementia Helpline toll-free province-wide at 1-800-936-6033.
The society serves Vernon residents at its Alzheimer Resource Centre, found within the historic Knowles House at 865 Bernard Ave. in Kelowna and can be reached at 250-860-0305 or toll-free at 1-800-634-3399.
In addition to Minds in Motion and First Link, the resource centre has support groups and education programs for both family caregivers and people with early stage dementia. Learn more about the Alzheimer Society of B.C., at www.alzheimerbc.org.
