Markham’s Dilip Chetram can teach us all about love.

Not new love, although the 62 year old certainly remembers what that feels like, but unconditional love; love so strong you will do anything and everything to make another person happy.

“When you are at this age (in your 60s and married for 40 years), your love is more than that (new love). Love is unconditional. Prove your love…Do it, not say it.”

And he does.

Dilip is the primary caregiver of his wife Deviekha, who was formally diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia progressive fascia in 2014; she was 56.

The condition effects three things:

memory, cognitive skills and speech, which is what Dilip first noticed in 2012. Deviekha’s speech started to change. She would offer one-word responses and answer questions that, to Dilip, didn’t make any sense.

At the time, Dilip thought something was wrong with their marriage, that his wife might be angry with him for some reason or having an affair, al-though when questioned, Deviekha said nothing

was the matter.

The pair’s two children, Reshmi and Arun, were living at home at the time, and they, too, noticed a change in their mom, mainly how she was treating them.

After sitting down and talking as a family, Deviekha agreed to go see a doctor, where she underwent a series of testing before being diagnosed. After diagnosis, Deviekha was seen by three neurologists and par-ticipated in a study with hopes they could improve her speech.

Dilip calls this period his “dark days” as he attempted to create a new life, which included

Accepting and loving, unconditionally

• Caregiver FrameworkPages 2-3

• Coffee Break Walk for Alzheimer’sPage 4

• Upcoming EventsPage 5

• What’s New at AS YorkPage 7

• Thank youPages 8-9

• Programs and ServicesPages 10-11

Inside this issue

>>See ‘I don’t’ Page 6

“Prove your love…Do it, not say it.”

~ Dilip Chetram

Photos and story/Lisa Day

“Staff took the time to listen

to both family member and

caregiver. I am very thankful

this program is in place.”

~ Caregiver

Vol. 5, Issue 1

Dilip Chetram and his wife Deviekha in their home.

Page 2 Vol. 5, Issue 1

AS York helping to change caregiver supportWhen Peter Smith’s mom, Iris, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010, he immediately quit his job to take care of her.

Peter made a promise to his dying dad in 1999: “Dad, I will look after mom’ and that was on his deathbed,” Peter says. “When mom does go, I will not have any regrets. I did it. I did it out of love. And I don’t regret it. I cherish it.”

And while Peter says he loves every moment he spends with his mom, who is now at Eagle Terrace, a long-term care facility just down the street from his Newmarket home, he wonders why caregivers aren’t given the supports they need to not only look after their loved ones

living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias (AOAD), but them-selves as well.

That lack of information and support is changing thanks to the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York), which is leading an initiative of 11 organizations, including CHATS, Southlake Regional Health Centre and The Regional

Municipality of York. They have developed a framework to help caregivers navigate their journey of caring for their loved ones called Planning Framework for Improving Supports to Caregivers, A Discussion Document.

When AS York CEO Loren Freid met with the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), the

organization that plans, coordinates, integrates and funds health services at the local level, to discuss the framework, he says they loved it, seeking out AS York to lead consultations on the framework.

“These consultations are going very well and are continuing to build upon the co-design approach of our first phase of work,” says Sue Lantz of Collaborative Aging, an organization that offers a modern perspective on aging, and project facilitator.

“We have high levels of engagement from both caregivers and healthcare providers. We look forward to sharing the results and learnings from the con-sultation effort. “

The framework

Peter Smith with his mom, Iris Smith. Smith quit his job to look after his mom after her Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.

>>See next page

Photos and story/Lisa Day

Page 3Vol. 5, Issue 1

changes how caregivers are currently treated within the healthcare team, the types of support offered and an opportunity to have more of a voice.

With Sue as the point person, a sub-committee is running focus groups and has developed an online survey about caregiver experiences and priorities. This will be presented to the Central LHIN in May with recommendations.

“The recommendations will be based on good qualitative data about caregivers and healthcare staff experi-ences,” Sue says. “We will use that data to inform concrete service delivery design

changes and develop new options and supports that can really make a difference to people.”

The Central LHIN can act on the recommendations.

“Caregivers are absolutely part of our society,” Loren says. “You go into a room and ask how many people are helping care for (somebody)? Pretty much everybody puts up their hands.”

Currently, more than 15,000 people are living with dementia in York Region.

“As a caregiver, I became extremely overwhelmed and anxious with the increasing supports and services my brother needed,” says Nancy Cameron, a caregiver at a co-design session in 2016. “I had enormous trouble navigating the healthcare system on

my own.”

The framework offers a snapshot of the stages of care a patient requires and recognizes the caregiver and the supports he/she needs throughout his/her loved one’s journey. The framework also offers objectives, activities and long-term outcomes in several components including referral and navigation and education.

“Ultimately, caregivers need to be a strong and steady support and an advocate for the continually changing needs of their loved ones,” says a caregiver.

You can pick up a copy of the framework at 2-240 Edward St. in Aurora.

From Page 2A PLANNING FRAMEWORK

FOR IMPROVING SUPPORTS TO CAREGIVERS

A D I S C U S S I O N D O C U M E N T • M AY 2 017

Framework vision:

“To improve the recognition, resiliency and support resources for informal caregivers in collaboration with health and community care providers and other organizations.”

Framework will help make difference in lives

Register today! Walk for Alzheimer’s

walkforalzheimers.ca, 905-726-3477

• Saturday, May 26 at the Briars Resort, Jackson’s Pointand

• Saturday, June 9 at Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, Richmond Hill

Join us as we help families in York Region by walking for Alzheimer`s

Page 4

Long-term care facilities, businesses and individuals were pouring coffee and hosting bake sales in support of Alzheimer Society of York Region.

Kicking off on World Alzheimer’s Day, Sept. 21, people were encouraged to host Coffee Breaks and ask for donations for every cup poured.

FreshCo store em-ployees reached out to their customers, asking for in-store donations, raising $4,425.70. Participating stores include 9580 McCow-an Rd. N.; 1430 Major Mackenzie Dr.; 18075 Yonge St.; 443 The Queensway S.; 3737 Major Mackenzie Dr.; and 800 Steeles Ave. W.

The Top 5 2017 fundraisers for 2017:

• The Roxborough Retirement Residence in Newmarket; • Glynwood Retirement Residence in Thornhill; • Kidd Circle Bake Sale in Aurora; • Mackenzie Place Long Term Care Home in Newmarket; and • Lenora Brown from Newmarket.

Thanks to everyone who hosted a Coffee Break or donated.

Contact Lauren at 905-726-3477 or lobrien@ alzheimer-york.com to participate.

Coffee Break raises more than $11,000

From top clockwise, FreshCo Markham and its customers raise $2,445 during Coffee Break, while kids from Kidd Circle offered goodies, raising $770.90. The Roxborough Retirement Residence offered more than coffee at the event.

Walk for Alzheimer’sWalk for Alzheimer’s takes place at two York Region locations - May 26 at the Briars Resort & Spa in Jackson’s Point and June 9 at Richmond Green Sport Centre and Park.

Registration is now open for both walks, with walkers encouraged to form teams and raise money to help those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in York Region.

Len Vanspall will again be walking for his wife Barb, who lives with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

“I see the wonderful work (AS York) does,” Vanspall says. Money from the walk “directly contributes to helping (clients) and caregivers so it has a very direct connection to me.”

Vol. 5, Issue 1

Visit walkforalzheimers.ca

Page 5Vol. 5, Issue 1

The Alzheimer Society of York Region will once again benefit from Golf 2 Remember.

The annual event takes place at Silver Lakes Golf and Conference Centre, Wednesday, Aug. 15 and includes lunch, dinner, 18 holes of golf and a golf cart, a swag bag, a silent auction and more. Money goes to AS York and AS Toronto. Tickets are $160 (early bird). Email tara@collacutt-travel.com

Honouring loved onesNo matter how life was lived - or for how long - saying goodbye is difficult.

By ensuring you designate the Alzheimer Society of York Region as your charity in a memoriam gift, we can provide services and support to people with dementia across York Region. Once someone contributes a memorial gift to AS York, a charitable tax receipt is issued. We will send notification.

In MemoriamHonour your

loved one’s memoryConsider naming

the Alzheimer Society of York Region in lieu of flowers and see the impact

on your community.

905-726-3477 or 1-888-414-5550www.alzheimer-york.com

Upcoming events in support of AS YorkAlzheimer’s Awareness Breakfast

Dr. Mark Lachmann discusses Alcohol, Addictions and Dementia at the 21st annual Alzheimer’s Awareness Breakfast.

Lachmann, who will explore substance use in seniors and how it may impact upon dementia and community support, is the medical lead of the Bridgepoint campus of Sinai Health System.

He is also a geriatric psychiatrist working with patients in acute, rehabilitation, long-term care and

community settings.

Lachmann also works as an Ontario coroner and sits on the Geriatric and Long-Term Care Death Review Committee of the Coroner’s Office.

This year’s event takes place Saturday, April 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Oakview Terrace, 13256 Leslie St. in Richmond Hill

Tickets are $35 each. Call 905-726-3477 to order tickets or for more information about the annual event.

Dr. Mark Lachmann will be the guest speaker at the Alzheimer’s Awareness Breakfast April 28.

Submitted photo

Golf 2 Remember

Page 6

“I don’t feel alone anymore:” Dilip Chetrum

Vol. 5, Issue 1

helping close his wife’s business, dealing with children and finances and deflecting questions and comments from well-meaning friends and neighbours.

And then, in late 2015, he was referred to the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York).

“When I met Simone (Ma, a social worker)…(I thought) where was Simone 12 to 15 months ago? She would have made a huge difference to everyone in this situation. Knowledge, compassion, profession-alism, empathy, that is what I need.

“You don’t want people to feel sorry for you. I want to laugh, I want to live. I love my wife dearly. My own health, mentally and physically, wouldn’t have been as good without the Alzheimer society.”

Dilip says the journey – from before diagnosis and throughout the stag-es of the disease – can be challenging and AS York helps.

“The Alzheimer society/the people…everyone who I met, they are my little angels.”

The turning point of Dilip’s journey is when he

accepted his wife’s con-dition. “I accepted I can’t change her condition, medically. It’s a slow progression downwards. This is a fact. There is no cure. There is no real way of reversing it.” But, he says, you can “love them. You love them with all your heart, you tell them, you show them.”

Dilip says he pampers his wife, whom he met in Guyana before they both immigrated to Canada, a year after each other,

helping her shower and wash, style and brush her hair; taking care of her toiletry needs; making sure she is safe and not wandering; cooking for her (which she stopped being able to do in 2015), feeding her as well as helping her have a bit of independence by leading her, allowing her to do some things for herself.

“I have come to realize, essentially, that heaven and Earth is right here. It’s within each of us. We have, as individuals, love, hate, jealousy and we choose to exercise each one.

“I constantly choose to love, constantly choose to give without looking for something in return…It’s (his wife’s diagnosis) a gift in a way.”

But without AS York, he would not be where he is now, offering the best of himself to his wife.

“Meeting and talking to Simone, Chantelle (Morello, program manager, Stouffville) and Franca (Contardo, program manager, Thornhill). Together, all of them have helped me come to this point...I feel they are there for me. If I need them, they will be there for me. I don’t feel alone any more, emotionally and mentally, I can’t ask for any more.”

He also thanks them for allowing him to get to the point of acceptance.

“I try to enjoy every day. Because she smiles at me, she looks for me – she hasn’t forgotten me yet. When she does that (smile at him)…she is saying thanks for doing this for me and that gives me strength.”

“The Alzheimer society/the people...everyone who I met,

they are my little angels.”

~ Dilip Chetram

Dilip Chetram knows about unconditional love, sharing and bestowing it on his wife of 40 years, Deviekha.

From Page 1

Page 7Vol. 5, Issue 1

What’s happening at AS YorkThanks to donors, the Alzheimer Society of York Region has brought music to those who participate in DAY Centre programs.

According to research, music and apps can bring a new approach to learning for people with dementia by helping improve hearing, understanding and movement as well as trigger favourite memories.

To bring music into the lives of York Region residents with Alzheimer’s, AS York hosted a #GivingTuesday campaign in November asking people to donate funds to pur-chase an iPad for the Thornhill and Aurora DAY Centres, which are open six days

a week. More than $1,100 was raised and clients are now enjoying listening to music and playing games to improve cognitive function.

Thank you to the donors who are helping improve the well-being of our clients.

Music For My Mom

Colin Mochrie and Deb-ra McGrath host the inaugural Music For My Mom event in support of bringing The Music

Project to York Region.

Singer/Songwriter Wendy Lands performs her musical memoir What The World Needs Now (A Journey of Love & Hope Through The Mad Men Era...), at the concert, which takes place May 21 at 7:30 p.m. at The Mod Club. The event is in honour and memory of Michele Lenick’s mom, Louise Chasin, who had Alzheimer’s. Visit bit.ly/music4mymom for tickets.

New at AS YorkAlzheimer Society of York Region filled two vacancies recently.

Hannah Zhang, the Director of Finance and Support Service, started in January. Hannah provides leadership and direction to the management team and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the finance, information technology and administration and monitors and helps improve accounting, finance, IT and administrative systems and procedures.

Lisa Day

Lisa Day is the new Commu-nications Coordinator, beginning in January.

Stouffville DAY Centre now open three daysThanks to funding from the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), in partnership with Parkview Services for Seniors at Parkview Village, the Stouffville DAY Centre is now open three days a week.

The program, offer-ing person-centered, individualized care,

planned social, phys-ical and recreational activities and counsel-ing and support for caregivers, now offers a Monday program to go along with its Tuesday to Wednesday programs.

Eighteen clients came Jan. 8. The program is now full, with 20 people taking advantage of the extra day of respite

care and a waiting list of people looking to join the program.

“Our DAY program gives primary caregiv-ers much-needed respite,” says CEO Loren Freid. “Caregiv-ers give so much of their energy every day. The DAY Centre allows them to focus on other things, including themselves.”

Hannah Zhang.

Chairman’s Circle - $100,000-$499,999 Carswell Family Foundation

CEO’s Circle - $50,000-$99,999 The Ontario Trillium Foundation United Way Toronto & York Region Regional Municipality of York

Leader’s Circle - $20,000 to $49,999 The Leonard and Gabryela Osin Foundation

Patron’s Club - $10,000 to $19,999 Michael Freid

Partner’s Club - $5,000 to $9,999 de Hart and Associates Private Wealth Management Lind Family Foundation Tara Morse RBC Foundation Wayne R. Smith Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Canada

Friends - $2,500 to $4,999 Magna International Inc. Morneau Shepell Ltd. James Spring City of Vaughan Delmanor - Elgin Mills Richmond Hill FreshCo Michelle Haick, Sutoon Group, Future Realty Inc.

Associates - $1,000 to $2,499 Aurora Antique Show BDO Canada LLP Linda Clemow Scott Crone

Crystal Homes Ermanno Ferrara Giovanni & Concetta Guglietti Family Foundation Simon Francis Loren & Lisa Freid Hydro One Employee’s and Pensioner’s Charity Trust Fund Lawrence Gelberg Barbara Houlding Masters Insurance Limited Duncan and Susan MacGregor David & Brenda McLennan Memory and Company Order of the Eastern Star Pavilion Advisory Group Ltd.Revera - Glynnwood Retirement Residence Rival Office Solutions Albert & Ingrid Schinagl Gail Scott Shanahan Ford Lincoln Sales Connie Smith James and Lorraine Stratton Victor Styrmo Dax Sukhraj Sunrise Senior Living of Aurora Youth and Community Initiatives Fund East Gwillimbury

$500 to $999 Richard and Holly Benson Briarlane Developments Inc. (Ballantry Homes) Dilip Chetram Stanley Chung Jim De Gasperis Angelo D’Elia Joan Edwards Rachel Egan Linda Francey Peter Furlan John P. Ginou Eleanor Ginsler William Godber Leo & Angie Graci M.A.M. Group Inc. John Halloran Rob Hansen Norman Harrison HCAT Joan Hinds IBM Canada Employees’ Charitable Fund Sylvia Kewen Kingsway Arms Aurora David and Mona Lancaster Vince Leto Joe Maio

Rachelle McConnell Ann McCormick Meridian Credit Union Limited Frank Mongillo North York Knights of Columbus - Thornhill Kidd Circle Beatrice Paterson Gino Pincente Pipe All Plumbing & Heating Ltd. The Renoir Revera Brookside Court and Hilltop Place The Sam Sorbara Charitable Foundation Paul Shnier Joan Sloan Peter Smith Douglas Todd Andrea Ubell Leonard Vanspall Versaterm Inc. Sheldon Wisener Yoga Tree

$250 to $499 Colleen Abbott Quinto Annibale Cory Antoine Ballantrae Pharmacy Inc. Zdravko Bilic Pefferlaw Lion’s Bingo Monique Bisaillon David and Alicia Burry Alfred Chalk Carolyn Chow Ralph Ciancio Concord Steel Centre Ltd. Angela Crowe Derek & Scott D&S Water Well Service L’Arche Daybreak Jim Tully, DECAST Ltd. Jocelyn Denis John & Susan Deotto Sheila Driscoll Nora Egan Phyllis Ellery Marinus Faassen Jacinta Ferrao Trevor Francis Louise Gardiner-Vahey GB Auto Service Centre Margaret Glinski-Oomen John Godber Robert Godber CRH Canada Group Inc.

Joe Guido

William Hozy Sasa Hu Edward Jackson Sandi Jones Betty Lewis Jack S. Li Patricia Maguire Krystle Malfara Maple Health Centre Tosca Mark Patricia Matheson Walter Meinig Donald Miller Ronald and Hazel May Munro North York Seniors Centre George Novack Sean and Patricia O’Sullivan Nick and Loretta Pantaleo Past Reflections Car Club Danny and Grace Paul Blair Peberdy Nino and Teresa Pellegrini Peverhill Construction Limited Randal Phillips Suzanne Pope Sue Potter Tony and Enza Presutti Bruce Rhodes Cathy Rizzi Marian Robbins Mauro Scanga Katherina Symes Kim Tan-Nguyen TD Canada Trust Alan Torrie Warren Travell John Trieu Shawn Turner Hristo Valev MacKenzie Place Residents Eric & Allanna Yates Ruth Ylitalo

In AppreciationThe Alzheimer Society of York Region is deeply grateful to the following families, corporations, foundations and community groups who demonstrated their commitment through their generous financial support. This represents donors and sponsors who contributed $250 or more from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2017.

Page 8 Vol. 5, Issue 1

“The program and staff were, and

are, fabulous, not only for me, as

the caregiver, but especially for my

mother.” ~ Caregiver

“The friendly, smiling staff were helpful and kind with mom.” ~ Caregiver

Page 9Vol. 5, Issue 1

In MemoriamAda Guzzo Addolorato Gaglia Addolorato Santangelo Adolorato Santanglo Al Peter Alberto Cundari Alberto Scapin Alda Stefani Aldo Rosso Alex Quinlan Alfredo Capo Alfredo D’Orazio Allan Gardner Allan Moller Allen Gardner Alphonso Peter Amedeo Pasquale Russo Amelia Ronto Amelia Rovito Ana Marko Anacleto Serino Anastacia Mag-naye Andrea Weller Angela Ditaranto Angela Miele Angela Taranto Angele Miele Angelina Rumolo Angelo Colucci Angelo Nitti Angelo Piccolo Angelo Vecchio Ann Dalgas Ann Farr Anna Kovacs Anne and Jack Armstrong Anne Armstrong Anne Mason Anne Mitgang Annie Cochrane Boyd Antoine Katsouris Antonia Basso Antonia DiSomma Antonietta Lijoi Antonietta Morra Antonina Napoli Antonino Messina Antonio Amelio Antonio Atazori Antonio Atzori Antonio Di Bartolomeo Antonio Zaino Anunziato De Angelis Aquila Russo Arduino Finateri Assunta Salerno Attilio Marin Audrey Haggan Audrey Howard Audrey Lowe Audrey Zimmerling Barbara Delduco Barbara Pfister Barry Laibovitz Benito Palerino Benny Kleiman

Bernard Whitham Bernice Mackey Bernice Zang Beryl Ann Huff Betty Ann Smith Betty Hood Betty Vineham Betty Vokes Beverly Batty Beverly Mary Doyle Bill Abbott Bill Baird Bonaria Paulis Boris Toivis Brian Ewing Bruce Snider Bruno DeFina Caitlyn Dodds Carl Jordan Carmel Whitnall Carmela Di Nardo Carmela Dinardo Carmela Febbraio Carmelo Sagona Carol Brookes Caterina Esposito Caterina Mazzola Catherine Celentano Catherine Knight Catherine Marshall Cesare Picheca Charlie Thompson Chizu Uchida Chris Papadopoulos Christopher Wood Cicely Champagnie Claire Magder Claire Rainbow Clementino Gabriele Clifford Hollidge Colette Ripley Cosimo Mazzei D. Ward Dave Harrison Dawne Summers Derek Ward Deviben Patel Dianne Tigert Diletta Mazzolin Domenica Mancini Domenico Cotrupi Domenico Cramarossa Domenico Patriarca Don McNabb Donat Goupil Donna Hender-son Donna Munro Donna White Doreen Hoo Doris Anderson

Doris Impey Doris Wilson Dorothy Magid Dorothy Wasserman Douglas Hogg Draga Tasich Earl Watson Edith Murray Eileen Clarke Eleanor Hollidge Elena Ricci Elizabeth Ned-drie Elizabeth Osborne Elizabeth Smith Ellen MacInnis Elsie Little Emilie Wagner Enid Scarrow Erminia Grossi Ernie Castelane Ersilio Salotti Esterina Caruso Ethel Slippoy Ettore Guido Eugenia O’Boyle Eva Grimaldi Evelyn Brown Evelyn Green Evelyn Kuhr Father Felicia Figliano Fiorella Colassaco Franca Testagrossa Frances Blandford Francesca Fantauzzi Francesca Matus Francesco Carusi Francesco Ceci Francis Fernando Franco Guglielmi Franco Martin Frank Moni Frank Searles Frederick Whitlum Gary Benson Gary Hand Gennaro Ramagnano George Craig George Fiotakis George Nasso George Pellman George Whitmore George Zakar Georgina Bouroukis Gervasio De Andrade Giacoma Barrotta Gina Susin Gino Giardetti Giorgio Nasso Giovanna Marra Giovanni Del Tin Giovanni Grossi Giovanni Scarcello

Giulia Palmieri Giuliana Nebiolo Giulio Ciardella Giuseppe Accardi Giuseppe Bilotta Giuseppe Ferraro Giuseppe Fiorentino Giuseppe Varanese Giuseppina Manzone Giuseppina Rocca Glenn Hermanson Gloria Hisey Gloria Longhurst Gloria Tenenbaum Gloria Waring Goldie Plotkin Gordon Smith Grace Moore Grant Nuttall Grazia Cramarossa Guerino Moretto Harvey Attwell Harvey Futerman Hector Marinaro Helen Bourke Helen Sarcevich Helen Trew Henry Clapp Herta Eckmeier Hilene Daniels Howard Bernard Howard MacPherson Ida Li Preti Ida Mancini Iolanda Donato Irene Sheridan Irma Aapro Irving Posesorski Izez Smith jack and Shirley Staley Jack Armstrong Jack Laufer Jack Staley Jack Westerhoek Jack Wilson Jean Belfry Jean Brown Jeannie North Jerry Kamin Jessie Neilson Jill McNichol Joan Davidson Joan Silk Joanne MacDonald Joe Fiorentino John Dors John Grimshaw John Quigley Joseph Ciccoritti Joseph Simon Joseph Szucs Joyce Kossman Judith Kaplan Judy Hitchcock Juiseppe Fiorentino

Jules Silver June Hicks June Moore Katherine Giroux Katherine Gluck Kathleen McNamee Keith Johnston Kell Petersen and Kathy Moonah Kenneth Hope Kurt Kleff Laura Poce Lawrence Beckett Lela Papadopoulos Lentle Powell-Flowers Leonard Kaplow Leonardo Ada-mo Leonardo Cornacchia Liam Glavin Lillian McCleverty Lina Gabriele Lina Napoli Linda Black Linda Dove Linda Doyle Lino Cao Livia Salvatori Lois Welk Lorenzo DeMeneghi Loreto Guida Loretto Grossi Lorraine Osborne Louis Dill Lucia Chiaromonte Lucia Di Matteo Lucia Forrestier Lucia Spagnuolo Lucien Leroux Luigi De Angelis Luigi Del Re Luigi Gasbarre Luigi Lombardi Luigi Nicastro Luigi Salerno Luis Soares Lydia Akleh Lydia Reichert Mai Piao Ling Marcia Adler Marcia Alder Margaret Lemon Margaret Lypny Margaret Moir Margit Laursen Maria Da Silva Maria Gollo Maria Gomes Maria Gravina Maria Kruhl Maria Marciano Maria Mauro Maria Melino Maria Moniz Maria Romano Marianna Frustaci Marianne Kramer Marilyn Cathcart Mario Lombardi

Mario Mauro Marion McCausland Mary Botell Mary Breese Mary Johnston Maxine Nelson Mel Morassutti Melchiorre Calabro Mhairessie Walker Michael Graziano Michael Hedley Michelangelo Bruccoleri Michele Conte Michele Torchia Michele Velardi Mike Peros Milton Stewart Molly Saiphoo Mr. Tovis Mrs. E. Grossi Natalino Sementilli Nelide Rosset Nicolina De Stefano Nicolina Pallotta Nora Keffer Norma Brown Norma Smith Norman Rennie Olga Ceciliot Oliviero Dehaurentis Palmo Marino Pansy Archer Partner of Crystal Davis Pasqualina Galifi Pat Smith Patricia D’Oliveira Patricia Gray Patricia Larkin Patricia Nicholas Patrick Keane Paul Chefero Paul Hunt Paul Marcou Pauline Grossman Pearl Layton Peggy Curtis Phillip Kelly Piero Bartolomei Pietro Garieri Pietro Morello Pietro Pezzo Rachel Jobson Rae Jobson Raffaele Lec-cese Raffaella Malito Ralph Pearson Rev. Liam Gavigan Rever and Liam Gavigan Rick Ellerby Rina Mazzola Rino Di Carlantonio Robert Dexter Robert Forfar Robert Last Robert Scott Robert Sinclair

Rocco D’Andrea Rosa Rizzo Rosaria Duca Rosaria Rustico Rose Feintuch Rose Rose Rosina Fuoco Rosina Perri Ross Schoales Rozina Balazic Rudi Liedl Rudy Dubek Rueben Gibson Ruth Curtis Ruth Keddie Ruth Milner Ruth Usami Sabatino Muccilli Sally Gregoris Sam Masson Sandra Cassia Sebastiano Guastelluccia Severina Gregoris Severuba Gregoris Sheila McDougall Shirley Filiatrault Shirley Guthrie Shirley Kennedy Silvio Fedrigoni Stanley Rennie Stefano Moschetti Stefano Pulce Stephan De Grace Steven Goldhar Sylvana Barbuto Teodoro Barbuto Teodoro Chiaravalloti Teresa Barbini Teresa Greco Terry Serson Terry Tetessky Theresa Murphy Therese Antaya Tiberio Simoes Tina Nasello Tolmino Capo Valdeko Seits Vera Polak Verna Playter Veronika Mauskopf Vincenzo Andriano Vincenzo Spagnuolo Viola Graham Violet Caldwell Violet Jiryes Violet Yates Virgilio Del Sole Vito Gianotti Vittoria Colosimo Vittorio Giulani Wally Witkowski Wayne Salmon William Craig William Gandy William Johnston William Weaver Winnifred Goreski Zenia Rybowski

We pay tribute to the memory of those who have passed away that were remembered through donations made in their honour by family and friends.

Page 10 Vol. 5, Issue 1

People diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers are invited to The First Link Memory Cafe, a safe and supporting place where people can find support and share concerns.

In partnership between the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York) and Mosaic Home Care, The First Link Memory Cafe is facilitated by AS York’s First Link Coordinator

Jonathan Macri.

Those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers are invited to come out from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month to interact and network in a place that is safe and supportive and that offers a place to

talk and share without feeling embarrassed or misunderstood.

The cafe encourages friendship and acceptance and is a great place to go to remain physically, socially and mentally active. Visit bit.ly/FirstLinkAS

AS York offers programs to help caregivers, clientsFirst Link Memory Cafe Quick Facts

Where: Mosaic Home Care Services & Community Resource Centre, The Shops on Steeles and 404, lower level by the Centre Court, 2900 Steeles Ave. E., Suite 218

When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month.

Cost: Free. To reg-ister: 905-597-7000, ext. 242.

Next Steps Education Series offers four weeks of informationPeople interested in hearing about the challenges and solutions of other caregivers have experienced are invited to participate in Next Steps, an education program and part of First Link, a program

that connects you and your family to AS York and its programs and services as well as other community resources and services.

The Next Steps Education series offers

an eight-hour learning series spread over four weeks and designed to create a more interactive learning experience for family members and friends caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

All information shared at these sessions are confidential and free.

Call Stacy Mendonca at 905-726-3477 or smendonca@alzhiemer-york.com for information.

Session 1: What is Dementia Session 2: Adapting to Brain Change Session 3 - Planning ahead Session: Building A Circle of Support

The Next Steps program is offered at two locations:

• AS York, Keswick, 4-184 Simcoe Ave. Wednesdays, April 25 to May 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.

and • Maple Health Centre - Adult DAY program, 10424 Keele St., April 18 to May 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Upcoming Next Steps sessions

Page 11Vol. 5, Issue 1

Helping those who patiently care for othersInformal caregivers are a special group of people.

They are the people who care for their loved ones without being paid, and often without being recognized by health-

care providers

At the Alzheimer So-ciety of York Region, we understand the emotional, physical and mental toil caregiving can have and offer a number of support groups to allow people to get together with

like-minded people in order to learn from each other and share information.

Because as Mother Terersa once said: “To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep put-ting oil in it.”

For more information

about our groups, visit, bit.ly/ASYorkSupport

“If you want to support others,

you have to stay upright yourself”

~ Peter Hoeg

AuroraFirst Thursday of the month 7 to 8:30 p.m. The DAY Centre, 240 Edward St., Unit 2, Aurora

ThornhillThird Wednesday of the month 7 to 8:30 p.m. The DAY Centre, 10 Harlech Ct., Unit 2, Thornhill

Stouffville Fourth Tuesday of the month (Except July and August) 7 to 8:30 p.m. Parkview Home, 123 Weldon Rd., Stouffville

MarkhamFirst Wednesday of the month (except July and August)

1:30 to 3 p.m. Markham Public Library, 6031 Hwy. 7, Meeting Room A

• Third Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at AS York, Keswick office

• NEW: First Thursday of the month begin-ning in April from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Maple Health Centre, 10434 Keele St., Maple.

Call 1-888-414-5550 to register for these groups.

Family Support GroupsFamily support Groups provide information on coping with and caring for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

The Regional Munic-ipality of York: Para-medic & Senior’s Services, Community and Health Services, in partnership with AS York, also of-fers family support groups.

Early onset dementia support group

Former Aurora resi-dent Len Vanspall says when his wife, Barb, was diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia, he attended regular family support groups, but found they weren’t for him: most of the caregivers were chil-dren looking after their parents, while he was looking after his wife.

Vanspall began to attend the early onset dementia support group and still drives back to Aurora for the monthly group.

Caregivers and family members of people who are younger than

65 and who have been diagnosed with early onset dementia are invited to meet the second Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the 2-240 Edward St. in Aurora. Call Hemel Joshi at 905-731-6611, ext. 50 to register.

Spouse Support Group This group is to help spouses cope and care for a partner diagnosed with dementia. There is no fee. The group meets the third Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. Con-tact Ellen Houser at 905-726-3477.

Page 12 Vol. 5, Issue 1

Did you know that when you donate to the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region, the money stays in our communities?

Did you also know that more than 15,000 peo-ple live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in York Region with that num-ber expected to more than double by 2031.

In order to continue to run programs and services to help those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, as well as to reach more people touched by dementia, the AS York requires your help.

Here’s how you can help families in York Region:

• Make a gift - Donate by mail, phone or online

• Volunteer - Help us with events and more

• Leave your legacy - Continue your tradition of giving with a bequest in your will. Make sure you share your wishes with your loved ones.

• Plan your own event

- Organize a fundraiser in support of AS York.

• Join our annual Walk for Alzheimer’s - May 26 in Jackson’s Point and June 9 in Richmond Hill. Visit www.walkforalzhei-mers.ca

• Give a gift of appreciated stock - Transfer your stock to AS York.

Alzheimer Society of York Region is a leader in actively supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (ADOD) and their families since 1985.

Our history of delivering quality dementia specific DAY program services, an

enriched social work program and education opportunities within the Region of York is well respected.

We have a proven record of working collaboratively and in partnership with different agencies within the Region of York to service the

needs of families and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Mission Statement

The AS York’s mission is to alleviate the personal and social consequences of ADOD promote research.

Charitable Registration No.: 10670 5429 RR0001

How you can help

2-240 Edward St., Aurora, ON, L4G 3S9 Tel: 905-726-3477 or 1-888-414-5550

Fax: 905-726-1917 Email: info@alzheimer-york.com

Thornhill (Markham) • Georgina • Richmond Hill • Vaughan • Whitchurch-Stouffville

Visit us online@ASYork1

www.facebook.com/AlzheimerSocietyYork

http://alzheimer.ca/en

AlzheimerYR