By Ruby Pratka
Local Journalism Initiative
Action Communautaire Lac-Brome (ACLB) and the Granby–Brome-Missisquoi–Haute-Yamaska chapter of the Société Alzheimer du Québec have expanded their offer of English-language support programs for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients and their families at the Centre Lac-Brome.
In addition to the twice-monthly Coffee Break support group program aimed at caregivers, the society now offers weekly respite and stimulation programs for adults with Alzheimer’s and similar cognitive impairments, which give caregivers a much-needed opportunity to rest and regroup.
On Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. qualified caregivers from the Société Alzheimer spend the day with patients “doing various cognitive and physical activities just to keep their brains active,” according to Caroline Hadlock, family and respite care adviser at the Société Alzheimer.
“During that time, they’re with us, they’re safe. They have lunch with us, they do their
activities, and then their caregiver comes and brings them home. But during that five hours, the caregiver is free to do what they want to do – go grocery shopping, take a nap, go skiing, whatever makes them feel good.” ACLB can also help organize transportation to and from the activity, if necessary.
“Caregivers are the people who are taking care of the individuals with the neurocognitive impairments. If the caregivers don’t have energy, if they don’t have a break, if they don’t have that time to recharge their batteries. It becomes very difficult to take care of someone. We prioritize taking care of our caregivers to make sure that they are able to continue taking care of their loved ones and to keep them at home for as long as possible,” Hadlock said.
The first five-hour activity session was held earlier this month, according to ACLB seniors’ outreach worker Marta Gubert Gomes. There are currently six participants, although the program can accommodate as many as nine. Participants must be members of the Alzheimer Society.
“This is a well-established program, already offered in Cowansville. The difference with the programs in Brome Lake is that they are offered by people who are bilingual or anglophone,” Hadlock said.
Gubert Gomes added that the bilingual Coffee Break support program for caregivers on Monday afternoons is ongoing. The Coffee Break program offers a “safe space” for caregivers to talk about the ups and downs and the emotional toll of caring for a person with dementia. “As a caregiver, the best thing you can do is have a support network around you to make sure that you have a lot of people there to give you a hand, and not to be scared to ask for help when you need it,” Hadlock said. To learn more about respite care and support programs offered in the region by the Société Alzheimer du Québec, call 450 777-3363. To learn more about programs for adults 50 and older and caregivers offered by ACLB, contact Marta Gubert Gomes directly at 450-204-9423.