Carefor Health & Community Services and Carleton University announced today the launch of a new young onset dementia program called The Club to help keep people active and socially connected while slowing advancement of the disease.
A first for the region and a potential model for other communities, The Club connects people with Carleton trainers each Tuesday to improve their quality of life and give caregivers some respite to run errands or relax.
The Club encourages personal connection for individuals experiencing a similar journey in a supportive social and recreational setting. Club members connect with each other through a variety of activities such as swimming, badminton, fitness classes like Pilates, as well as jogging, weight training, art, trivia and group discussions.
“Dementia is a disease that affects more than the individual, it affects the entire family,” says Carefor CEO Steve Perry. “With it comes stigma that often leads people and families to withdraw, often accelerating the conditions of the disease. The Club helps keep people active and connected with the community to reduce the stigma and slow the effects of the disease.”
Up to 2,000 people in Ottawa have young onset dementia among some 16,000 Canadians aged 65 and under. The program, which has been running since last October, has 10 participants who exercise and play sports under the guidance of Carleton staff. It is through these high-quality health care programs that people living with the disease can feel supported.
“Carleton is thrilled to partner with Carefor,’’ says Carleton President Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “We are pleased to be playing a role in helping our community and breaking down some of the barriers that exist for those who have dementia.”
The program is still looking for volunteers to help with The Club. If you are interested, please contact Carefor’s Carling Adult Day Programs at 613-721-6496.
About Carefor
Carefor is a local not-for-profit charity that provides home health care and community support services across Eastern Ontario. Whether in the home, in the community, at care facilities or one of our clinics, our 1,500 staff are part of the circle of care that is tailored to our clients’ needs. For more information, please visit carefor.ca.
About Carleton University
Located in the nation’s capital, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution with a tradition of leading change. Its internationally recognized faculty, staff and researchers provide more than 30,000 full- and part-time students from every province and more than 100 countries around the world with academic opportunities in more than 65 programs of study. Carleton’s creative, interdisciplinary and international approach to research has led to many significant discoveries and creative works. As an innovative institution, Carleton is uniquely committed to developing solutions to real-world problems by pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding daily.
For more information, contact:
Trevor Eggleton
Communications, Marketing and Fundraising Manager
Carefor Health & Community Services
O: 613-903-6565 ext: 5021
C: 613-415-8675
E: teggleton@carefor.ca
Steve Reid
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
O: 613-520-2600, ext. 2234
C: 613-265-6613
E: Steve.Reid3@carleton.ca
Tuesday, January 21, 2020 in News Releases
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