For the last several years the Alzheimer Society of BC has dedicated its annual West Kootenay Walk for Memories to a particular individual or family coping with the devastating disease. This year, however, the organization will instead honour all caregivers, both professionals and family members — recognizing that looking after someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy.
“If a spouse of 50 years is the caregiver, they will often have health ailments too,” says Linda Hoskin, the society’s regional support and education co-ordinator. “If we’re not careful, we wind up with two individuals in the health system with problems.”
Through education, the society stresses care for the caregiver — which grows more difficult as those with the condition start to lose their physical abilities.
“Physical care becomes very taxing for families,” Hoskin says. “The most difficult decision for any family is ‘We aren’t able to care for our loved one and need help.’ That’s why we’re including professional caregivers.”
It’s been more than 25 years since a support group for Alzheimer’s caregivers began in Nelson. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month, sometimes drawing only a few people, and other nights 10 or 12.
Hoskin says it’s a chance to share some of the difficulties.
Alzheimer’s, an organic brain disease, affects memory, judgment and reasoning. Brain cells die and do not regenerate. In later stages, the ability to think, reason, and understand the world can be compromised.
While the disease’s progression can be treated and slowed, it is not reversible. Hoskin says in the face of that, keeping a sense of humour is important.
“Quite often things change so drastically, if you don’t laugh, you’re going to cry. That kind of process is difficult for many people, especially because things are very emotional. Relationships over decades change and for some people that’s far too difficult.”
In addition to the information and mutual aid provided through the caregivers’ group, Hoskin offers individual support by appointment.
Working through Selkirk College, she puts on regular educational sessions, alternating between Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail.
Although she generally focuses on family caregivers, a program is also available for those diagnosed with the disease early.
Alzheimer BC has two publications, one for caregivers and another by and for people with dementia. It also provides telephone support sessions and online materials.
“Those sessions can go from what is dementia, to advocacy, to how to celebrate holidays and long-distance caregiving,” Hoskin says.
The Walk for Memories is Sunday, January 29 at the Nelson and District Community Complex, one of 20 such walks across BC, but the only one in West Kootenay. Registration is at 1 p.m. and the non-competitive walk starts at 2. Participants move at their own leisure around the concourse, as many times as they want.
“The basic premise is that we’re raising money and whatever we do is fun,” Hoskin says. “We want people to come, enjoy music and refreshments, and make pledges.”
Last year’s walk drew about 100 people from as far away as Grand Forks and Nakusp and raised between $16,000 and $17,000. You can register and make pledges online at walkformemories.com or call 250-352-7960.
An information table has also been set up at the Chahko Mika Mall today and tomorrow as part of Alzheimer’s awareness month in Canada.
NEXT: A caregiver’s story.