Thanks to a 2020 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), the Alzheimer Society of York Region was able to remain connected with individuals impacted by dementia throughout the pandemic.
The $150,000 grant enabled the organization to deliver vital services through virtual programming — a compilation of activities, music and exercises — to current clients and those on the waitlist, and to purchase computer equipment.
Along with keeping in touch virtually, the Aurora-based agency was able to purchase personal protection equipment (PPE) to safely operate in-person when possible, hire cleaning staff at two sites and provide clients with activity kits with masks and wipes, colouring books, games and more. It was also able to share vital supplies such as incontinence products, personal products, and tablets to 20 families in need.
“Congratulations to the Alzheimer Society of York Region for the work you have done with your Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill in a news release. “Your organization does so much to help alleviate the pressure of those impacted by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and the grant has helped improve the quality of care for clients by hiring additional staff members, purchasing new computer equipment, and making it easier to access PPE.”
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and, according to Stats Canada, more than 432,000 Canadians over age 65 were living with dementia in 2017, with nine seniors diagnosed every hour.
Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is isolating and with its in-person D.A.Y. program cancelled during lockdown, the pandemic made isolation worse, Pamela Loveless, Alzheimer Society of York Region's director of philanthropy said in a news release.
Not only did the grant ensure the organization's operation during the pandemic, it will also aid in its ability to successfully "rebuild and recover," Loveless said.
"Alzheimer Society of York Region programming provides care for people living with dementia, and much needed respite for their caregivers,” said CEO Loren Freid. “With this much appreciated funding from the OTF, we have been able to gradually increase service levels to our current clients and the increasing number of people needing our support.”
The Alzheimer Society of York Region offers support, education, navigation and D.A.Y. programs to people impacted by dementia.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund grants support projects that help rebuild an organization’s capacity, enhance their resiliency, and meet the changing needs of the communities impacted by COVID-19.
