The Mature Action Community, a non-profit society for the age 55-plus demographic in Whistler, is trying to develop and launch a pilot program of gentle exercise and socializing for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers.
We are in discussions with a number of organizations and volunteers in the community who might contribute to this initiative, for example, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Meadow Park Sports Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Sea to Sky Community Services Better at Home, Whistler Community Services Society, the Alzheimer’s Society and several foundations. We are also in communication with similar groups in the Village of Pemberton.
At this point, we need to identify the size of the client base in Whistler and Pemberton, as the Alzheimer’s Society requires a critical mass before they will fund and bring their programs into a community. Such funding would allow us to bring a more frequent and permanent program into our corridor. For smaller numbers of clients, alternative activities could be arranged through local efforts such as we are attempting.
Many people are reluctant to share their diagnosis of dementia for fear of stigmatization. We know that early intervention by appropriate, brain-stimulating activities and socializing can delay cognitive decline and also provide moral support to caregivers who often feel isolation and despair.
As we are trying our best to offer a beneficial program to those with early stage dementia and their caregivers, we respectfully request that you self-identify at your earliest convenience as potentially or definitely interested in participating in this program. Please indicate your community of residence to assist with local planning. All responses will be treated in strictest confidence.
If there are any physical barriers to your participation, such as lack of transportation or mobility issues, please inform us. Please indicate if, at this time, you are only interested in receiving updates on the status of the project and announcements of planned activities.
Contact us, if interested, at: [email protected]; copy to [email protected].
Together we can make this happen!
