
Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward Serves Brighton and Quinte West Too
The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward is a non-profit, registered charity that offers support, education, and advocacy for people and families experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the Brighton, Quinte West and Belleville, Ontario area.
All of their programs are free of charge and they can provide supports and resources both in-home and in-communities.
Alzheimer Society’s Amelia Huffman told us about their service offering.
Recently, they were awarded a $1,000 donation from the Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund to help build awareness of their services to residents in Brighton.
“You don’t need to have an official diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia to access services,” said Huffman – IT, Grants and Communications – Alzheimer’s Society of Hastings – Prince Edward. “It could be that you are merely concerned about memory loss for yourself or for a loved one, you don’t need to have a referral, self-referrals are always accepted and remain confidential. There is a dedicated Support Coordinator for Brighton and one in Quinte West and they would be happy to meet with you in your home, or in the community too.”
Huffman told us up until recently their focus was on in home services.
In Brighton, the Alzheimer’s Society of Hastings – Prince Edward holds community programs twice per month.
– On the 2nd Wednesday of each month, they host the Brighton Memory Café. This Memory Café is a social gathering in Brighton, where people with memory loss and those who care about them can come together in a safe and engaging environment. This is an opportunity to make new friends and connect with others who may be having similar experiences.
– On the 4th Thursday, they also host a Caregivers Support Group, designed to provide a safe space for care partners to learn from each other too.
Both of these groups take place in the common room at the Evangel Pentecostal Church on Butler Street.
Amelia told us they’re here to help.
The Alzheimer’s Society of Hastings – Prince Edward is only 40% funded by the Ontario Government so donations and grants are gratefully accepted.
There are also various volunteer opportunities available too. They are currently looking for in-home activation volunteers in Brighton. Volunteers will be trained in dementia care and various activation activities to do with clients in their own homes. They are looking for volunteers to commit to as little as one visit (1.5 hours) per week with one client for 12 weeks at a time.
For more information about the Alzheimer’s Society of Hastings – Prince Edward, to make a donation or to volunteer call (613)962-0892 or visit www.alzheimer.ca/hpe.
Written by Alicia Vandine