Dementia Connections Community Report

Dementia Connections Community Report What is Dementia Connections? The Dementia Connections program is a community-based response to dementia support in the communities of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County. The Town of Stony Plain received financial support from Alberta Health Services (Community Innovations in Dementia Care) to develop the Dementia Connections program over the past two years. We are supported by the Westview Dementia Support Community Collaborative including representatives from Alberta Health Services, the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT, the Town of Stony Plain (Community & Social Development), the City of Spruce Grove, Parkland County, Westview Health Centre, Westview Primary Care Network and individual residents.

What do we do? We engage volunteers and offer dementia-friendly social activities. We include people living with dementia. Residents can reach out to our Community Connector (dedicated staff member) to learn more about available resources and community supports.

What we offered (2020-2022) Art Classes Friendly Visiting Memory Café Walking Group

Training & Educational Workshops Care Partner Support Group Community Connector for Dementia Service Navigation

Who we've reached so far We have been adapting throughout the past two years to provide support to the community. Looking back on what we've achieved, we are proud of the supports we've offered and the connections built throughout our region. We also know we can reach more people and hope to grow our program over time.

14

279

102

We recruited and trained 14 community volunteers.

We connected with 279 people living with dementia and their care partners.

We served a total of 102 participants in a variety of dementia friendly programs.

What is dementia?

"Dementia is a broad term that describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss, changes in mood, and difficulties with thinking, problem solving and language." www.alzheimer.ca/en/aboutdementia

What We Heard During the fall of 2022, we asked volunteers and care partners of people living with dementia to describe their experience with the Dementia Connections program. We heard from 7 care partners, 5 volunteers and 9 members of the Westview Collaborative through a combination of online surveys, telephone interviews and inperson reflection.

Volunteers said that their experience met or exceeded expectations.

100% of survey respondents agreed that "as a result of volunteering with the Dementia Connections program, I am more involved in community events or activities" and "more knowledgeable about dementia". The majority of respondents (80%) also agreed that "I feel that I can make a difference."

Care partners of people living with dementia said they appreciated the activities and supports. It felt good to know that their loved one was in the company of people who cared and understood the complexities of living with dementia. We also heard about ongoing needs for awareness, acceptance, accessibility, practical supports, program ideas and social connection.

"The people involved (with the Dementia Connections program) are more than wiling to help and if they can’t help, they are willing to listen.

And I think that’s really important.

People that are willing to listen, so you don’t feel so alone or isolated."

Care partner of person living with dementia

Trail Explorers Trail Explorers is a free walking group led by trained volunteers.

The group is designed for people living with dementia and their care partners.

Successes & Challenges The Dementia Connections program has been successful at supporting new relationships, learning what is important to people living with dementia, adapting throughout the pandemic, and providing a variety of program choices. The program provided a sense of hope and helped people to feel heard, supported and connected. Care partners learned about available supports, people living with dementia were included in activities, and volunteers became more involved in their community.

Key challenges included recruitment, fluctuating attendance and navigating the pandemic. In some cases, care partners described feeling overwhelmed and said that nothing could be done to improve the situation, or were not able to access programs due to eligibility criteria or transportation barriers. We will apply what we learned about successes and challenges as we continue to develop our program.

Thank you to our funders, volunteers, staff and community partners. We couldn't do this without you!

Alberta Health Services Alzheimer Society of Alberta & Northwest Territories City of Spruce Grove Parkland County Town of Stony Plain Westview Health Centre Westview Primary Care Network Individual residents, volunteers and care partners

What's Next?

Dementia Connections is a multi-layered program that meets overlapping needs including both physical activity and social connection, and provides access to resources, support and information. Key stakeholders advocated for program sustainability and consistency, highlighting the importance of continuing to offer supports. We heard ideas about how to increase awareness, further market the program and encourage more participation. We recognize the importance of relationships, one-to-one connection and reduced isolation for people living with dementia. We know there is a need for ongoing support for people living with dementia and we are committed to building inclusive, dementia-friendly communities.

Questions?

Contact us for more information.

Email: connect@stonyplain.com

Website: www.stonyplain.com/CSD Phone: 780-963-8583