For over forty years, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba has built a community of support for those affected by dementia. Through counselling, support groups, education sessions, dementia-friendly programming, research funding and more, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba helps Manitobans affected by all types of dementia. Across the province, the Society continues to advocate for awareness, education, and compassionate care. We spoke with CEO Erin Crawford to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
For over 40 years, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba has helped connect individuals and families affected by dementia to resources and information to help them on their path forward in navigating the complexities of the disease. Through the Society, families can find a community of support and access one-to-one counselling, education sessions, support groups, dementia-friendly programming and more.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Dementia continues to be an isolating and stigmatized disease. We aim to be a reliable and consistent support for individuals and families experiencing dementia, so they do not have to face this disease alone. We help families navigate barriers within healthcare systems, legal matters, future planning and daily care needs, while providing resources to help promote the best possible quality of life while living with dementia.
When did you start/join it?
2019
What made you want to get involved?
As soon as you meet the people who have had a dementia diagnosis land in their life, you can’t help but want to make the road a little easier for them. No one wants this disease, but when it happens, you have to find your way forward through it, and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba does a fantastic job providing that support. I truly love the work and the people we serve. As difficult as it sometimes is, the families we help are wonderful, and it feels important to help them.
What was the situation like when you started?
It was a strong, well-respected organization focused on its mission to provide help today and hope for the future for people living with dementia. Uptake of programs was experiencing significant growth, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it set everything off-kilter for a few years. Despite that, regular contact with clients persisted, and we got back into our regular in-person programming as quickly as we could.
How has it changed since?
The demand for services has increased, as predicted, as the number of people living with dementia continues to rise. The support from the community has grown along with it, though, and Manitobans continue to give their time, money and experience to help. Our staff also continue to greet each person and each conversation with integrity and compassion. The feeling that, as a staff and as a community, we will not let someone manage a dementia diagnosis alone has never wavered.
What more needs to be done?
The number of families affected by dementia is rapidly increasing. Across Manitoba, there needs to be improved access to resources and care for people navigating dementia. There needs to be increased commitment to education about dementia, so we can create more dementia-friendly spaces where people living with this disease and their care partners feel safe, respected and valued. Our organization is also in need of funding to help keep our core programs and services running as the number of Manitobans who need our support rises.
How can our readers help?
Learn more about dementia (you can start by visiting our website), get involved and volunteer with our organization, reach out to your family member or friend who lives with dementia or cares for someone living with dementia and ask how they are doing. You can also donate to our organization to help make sure no one has to face dementia alone.
Do you have any events coming up?
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and we have our annual Research Forum, “Dementia Research: Back to Basics,” happening live via Zoom on September 17, from 6:30 – 8 pm. Dr. Donald Weaver, a Senior Scientist at the Krembil Brain Institute and Professor of Medicine (Neurology) and Chemistry at the University of Toronto, is back this year to clear up common misconceptions about dementia and explore the clinical and research evidence behind them. This is your chance to hear from an expert.
We also have our annual Care4u Family Conference taking place on Saturday, October 17 from 8 am – 3:30 pm at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre. Care4u is a day of education and support, where care partners and family members of someone living with dementia gain practical tools to help them work through day-to-day caregiving, plan for the future and build their confidence as a care partner.
You can learn more and register for both of these upcoming events on our website, alzheimer.mb.ca.
We always invite people to become monthly donors, and while it’s not an event, if you choose to become a monthly donor, you make sure people always have support when they need it.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
You can also visit our website to see the programs and services we offer, how you can get involved, and to learn more about dementia.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
MASC (Manitoba Association of Seniors Communities) and A & O
