This is the first in a series of regular NewmarketToday columns in partnership with Alzheimer Society of York Region to increase awareness and understanding of dementia, as well as of the support, education, navigation and DAY programs available to people impacted by dementia.
When Christa Schmidt and Franz Kramer moved to Aurora in October, they arrived in a community they didn’t know and without a group of friends to keep them social and active.
So, when staff from the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York) told Schmidt about the active living program nature walks for people living with dementia and their care partners, the couple jumped at the chance to participate.
“We loved it,” Schmidt said. “Being new to the area and not having friends here yet, it was a wonderful way to connect with people, especially other caregivers.”
The one-hour monthly walking series explores different trails in York Region. Schmidt and Kramer joined the first nature walks in June at the Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area in East Gwillimbury. The nature walks are led by Larry Durst, a volunteer trail guide.
“Larry is a great guide,” said Schmidt. “(The walk) was a nice and easy pace. It was perfect for everyone to walk.”
Nature walks is just one of the new AS York active living programs, which encourage people living with dementia and their care partners to remain active, engaged and connected to their community. Other programs include tai chi, music and Minds in Motion.
While social connections are important for everyone, it’s especially crucial for those impacted by dementia.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, “social isolation is one of the top dementia risk factors and can exacerbate existing dementia symptoms and caregiver stress.”
Social isolation, said the National Institute on Aging, “is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly.”
For those impacted by dementia, being socially isolated is dangerous, said Jaime Cruz, public education and community programs manager at AS York.
“When someone is isolated, we see an increase in depression, a deterioration in cognition, an increased risk of physical deterioration, an increased fall risk, health deterioration, a potential increase in the risk of alcohol\drug abuse and sleep disturbances.”
Social isolation decreases the quality of life both for the person living with dementia and their care partners.
“When one is isolated, they may lose the ability to find the words to express their needs and wants, they may lose motor skills like buttoning up a shirt,” Cruz said. “The more one can engage with others, the more one maintains their abilities.”
Caregivers also have to be careful as social isolation can cause burnout.
“Care partners often put their needs on the back burner and they themselves become ill, making the ability to care for their family quite difficult,” Cruz said. “Isolation reduces the quality of life for the care partner.”
The benefits of remaining connected include reducing the risk of a missing incident, slowing down the progression of dementia and providing a purpose for an individual, Cruz said.
Cruz said she encourages people impacted by dementia to participate in group activities, join clubs and take part in gentle exercises, anything to keep them moving and socially engaged.
“Reach out to AS York to learn about the active living program. This is an opportunity for the care partner to meet others and build a circle of support. When you are a care partner, you are filled with so many emotions. Reaching out and joining group programs allows you to smile and meet others who understand your experience. No explanations or details needed. It’s a safe place where you won’t feel alone.”
For Schmidt, the nature walks and other programs hosted by AS York are opportunities to do things in a group. She recommends people reach out to AS York and participate in programs designed for people impacted by dementia.
“First of all, you learn more about how to deal with situations as a caregiver. And it’s just good. Walking in nature is always good.”
You can find out about the next nature walks for people impacted by dementia takes place here. Active Living programs are free. You do not need to be an AS York client. Contact Jennifer Barta, AS York’s active living co-ordinator, at 437-238-6571 or email [email protected].
