Currently, there are more than 85,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias across the province – and that number is expected to double by 2050. While the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s ultimate vision is a world without dementia, that world begins with a society where people affected by dementia are welcomed, supported and included.
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia is life-changing. Providing information and support to people living with the disease, their caregivers and family members can help them understand the diagnosis and equip them to better cope with the changes to come. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is committed to ensuring that people affected by the disease are not alone, and that they have the confidence and skills to live the best life possible through First Link® dementia support.
First Link® dementia support is a suite of programs of services that are available – both in person and online – throughout the progression of the disease, from diagnosis (or before) to end-of-life care. Services include:
Individual support: Ongoing support calls to help understand dementia, identify changing needs and plan for the future.
Dementia education: Workshops and webinars on a variety of topics throughout the progression of the disease.
Support groups: Information and discussion groups for people in the early stages of dementia and for caregivers.
Social and fitness programs: Intended for people in the early stages of the disease to attend with a care partner.
Information: Access to brochures, fact sheets, videos and newsletters.
People can access First Link® services by receiving a referral from a health-care provider, calling the First Link® Dementia Helpline (available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu) or by connecting with one of their resource centres, located throughout the province.
People connected to First Link® find themselves part of a community of people who understand their experience. In the words of a caregiver, “I see the road ahead clearly now, and I’m not afraid to walk it.”
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is committed to working with, not just for, people living with dementia. “Through various activities and committees and meeting many people along the way, I hope I have inspired and given some people the confidence to see their own possibilities,” says Jim Mann, who is living with dementia and sits on the organization’s Board of Directors. “We can foster connections that lead to greater capacity in the organization where everyone feels a sense of belonging.” Lived experience partners like Jim have opportunities to participate in focus groups, advisory groups and peer-led programs. They can share their experiences through media interviews, panel discussions, education, or advocacy.
Many British Columbians still believe that a diagnosis of dementia is the end of a meaningful life, and challenging this stigma is an important part of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s work and why sharing the stories of people affected by the disease is so vital. Through campaigns like Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the organization is able to raise awareness and change the conversation around the disease.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. relies on community support. You can volunteer in support of our programs and services or our community events. You can register and participate in our signature fundraisers like the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, coming up in May, and Climb for Alzheimer’s in September. You can also make a donation.
If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link® Dementia Helpline (toll-free) for information and support.
English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
To learn more about the Alzheimer Society of B.C., visit alzheimerbc.org.
