January is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County is pleased to announce the launch of a nation-wide campaign reminding people that the organization is the First Link® to Support, Knowledge and Community.
A diagnosis of dementia is not easy. Making a quick connection to a community of support can make a big difference by eliminating uncertainty and unknowns. The Alzheimer Society is the first place to turn – and First Link® is the connection to support, care, knowledge, expertise, and referrals.
First Link® is the Alzheimer Society program offering approved services and information to those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and care partners. It encompasses the areas of Risk Reduction, Education, Living Well with the Disease, Community, Research, and Advocacy; an umbrella that brings together all aspects of the care and management of dementia in Canada.
With more than half a million Canadians living with dementia today, a number expected to reach almost one million in 10 years, the Alzheimer Society is continuing to enhance its support amongst people living with dementia to meet their needs early in, and throughout, their journey.
The goal of First Link® is to ensure a user of the services has the right support and information, from the time of an initial diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease. By connecting with First Link®, a user will have access to all the programs and services available in Simcoe County, including supportive counselling and navigation to Alzheimer Society and other community resources to meet their needs. Persons living with dementia, and care partners will also be linked to education, support groups, and social programs. Staff will provide the appropriate access to the right services during the different stages of the disease.
To get access to services and programs, users are encouraged to call the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County directly or ask their family doctor about being referred to the Alzheimer Society.
To learn about the benefits of the programs and services offered by the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, read Anita Turgeon’s story on our website at Articles | Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County.
At the Alzheimer Society, we believe #support changes everything.
That’s why we want you to know that you are not alone. For people living with dementia, we are your first link to support.
Get connected to support that can help you live well: https://t.co/FfQOVlXUrl pic.twitter.com/GCLNPGMLRE
— Alzheimer Society of Canada (@AlzCanada) January 5, 2022
January is #AlzheimersAwarenessMonth in 🇨🇦.
Meet Jim Mann. At the age of 58, Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Ever since, he's been making an impact by breaking the stigma around #dementia as an Alzheimer's Advocate.
Learn more about Jim ➡️ https://t.co/goVGkEcZ8o pic.twitter.com/8RKXJApI3d
— APPTA-POPRAVIT (@APPTA_POPRAVIT) January 6, 2022