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Volunteers needed for Alzheimer’s programs in Sidney

Two programs at the SHOAL Centre on Resthaven Drive need a minimum of three volunteers to work with people coping with Alzheimer’s disease.
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If you have a mere three to six hours per month to spare you could make all the difference to someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is reaching out to the community in search of volunteers for a support group and its Minds in Motion social and fitness program at the SHOAL Centre in Sidney.

“It’s such rewarding work,” says Staci Hunter Noble, one of the support and education coordinators at the Greater Victoria Alzheimer Resource Centre. “And it benefits other areas of your life … there’s huge value in having an opportunity to work with people who have this diagnosis.”

Hunter Noble says there’s still so much stigma around this disease, despite it being difficult to detect by the average person, especially in its early stages. She adds that the more people have contact with people affected by the disease, the easier it becomes to understand it, thus reducing the stigma.

“We want people with dementia to be involved and access everything in the community like everyone else. Our message is to create dementia-friendly communities,” Hunter Noble says.

Volunteer support-group facilitators are needed to lead a monthly support group meeting, providing participants with Society information materials and maintain attendance records. Minds in Motion volunteers are needed to ensure participants are involved in the activities and enjoying the social time.

Volunteers need not have previous experience, but having some awareness around dementia is helpful; extensive training is provided, says Hunter Noble. She also encourages anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch with a coordinator at the SHOAL Centre and shadow the program.

For more information on volunteering, contact the Greater Victoria Alzheimer Resource Centre at 250-382-2052 or info.victoria@alzheimerbc.org. More information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can be found at www.alzheimerbc.org.