Area Alzheimer Society puts call out for volunteers

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Doreen Barnes

EMC News - According to the Alzheimer Society, 500,000 Canadians are now living with the disease or a form of dementia and many of these people live here in this region.

This organization is non-profit and requires fundraising to operate its programs along with volunteers to conduct the support groups, pottery classes and any other events that take place.

Right now there's a very important plea for more individuals to step forward to assist in being a facilitator or to help with activities.

Two such individuals who answered the call are Eveline Newberry and personal support worker Darlene Seguin.

Newberry spends an hour each week with those who have Alzheimer, whereas Seguin offers two hours a month to facilitate caregivers.

Although they both work with different groups, the reason is the same, they want to learn about Alzheimer and to help make a difference.

"I was in a situation where a lady I knew quite well had developed Alzheimer," said Newberry. "I had not spent anytime with her lately and when I met her again, I was shocked at how little she could communicate."

Newberry was at a loss and didn't know what to do, so she decided to volunteer as a group facilitator to learn and understand what a partner or in this case her friend's husband was going through.

"I wanted to learn more about the disease," admitted Newberry. "To find out if there was any way I could help (her friend)."

When Newberry volunteered she thought she would do some administration work, but found out that there was a need for a facilitator with the Just For You Group.

The Just For You Group is for persons who have had dementia for some time.

It is recommended that these individuals socialize with others, particularly participating in a conversation which keeps the brain active.

"We just talk," indicated Newberry. "I try to draw them out. After a time, you get a feel for what was a happy period in their life, and then you talk about that. One lady today was wonderful as she was able to tell me where she was born, where she grew up and what she did when she was younger."

This small group sits in a circle with a volunteer making conversation, talking about the weather, a book, travel or anything that Newberry feels may make a connection.

"You go with the flow," admitted Newberry. "Maybe because I'm older and can relate (to the age group)."

According to public education and family support coordinator Sean McFadden, this group has the long term memory therefore in most cases individuals are more likely to remember things from when they were younger.

"After each group meeting, I feel like I have accomplished something," said Newberry. "I look forward to the next session.

As for Seguin, she assists in the caregivers' group in Kemptville and will occasionally step-in for another volunteer facilitator in Prescott, if needed.

"People in the group help each other," said Seguin. "That was the big thing I found in Prescott and was surprised about. One person was mentioning that he could not come to many of the support group meetings because of his circumstances. So I mentioned to him that there are places that provide volunteer services. So if he needed an hour or an hour and a half to attend one of these sessions to contact the Community Care Access Centre or the Community and Primary Health Care."

Seguin feels that people in her group are looking for answers, referrals or agencies that can help them and she tries to provide that information.

An example was the services that Cheryl J. Brown Centre (Kemptville and District Home Support Inc.) offers in the Kemptville area.

"Helping people makes me feel good," offered Seguin, "just to know that I've helped somebody by answering some questions."

Seguin said she feels a warmth and fuzziness inside when she volunteers.

"I'm very glad that I made that first phone call to Sean a while ago," admitted Seguin. "Because I actually wanted to attend a support group as I didn't understand what it (Alzheimer) was. Being a personal support worker, I wanted to get the other side other than not just dealing with people who have Alzheimer to actually see what the family is going through to have a better understanding. I wasn't allowed to attend, but Sean did invite me to take a course in October meant for caregivers. To tell the truth it was the best phone call I ever made."

Also, Seguin volunteers with Victim Services.

She is continuing her studies with educational courses related to this disease, but just by being with caregivers, she's already gathering valuable insight.

"Since people are unique every single situation you encounter will be different in some way than the last one," said McFadden. "You just tuck that away and over a period of time you realize that you are starting to know more and more. That knowledge may be recalled in a situation that can be helpful. Support groups are great for learning as you go."

With any of the groups, the numbers fluctuate with people coming and going.

Seguin indicated she sees a difference in the caregivers at the end of two hours versus the beginning of the session.

"People need somebody to express what they are going through," said Seguin. "One will start and somebody will have information to help that person. They are very open."

Seguin tries to carry information relating to the various questions which may arise in a meeting and if Seguin has any doubts about answering a query, she'll refer it to McFadden.

"There is training for our volunteers," indicated McFadden, "we do not require them to have extensive knowledge on the subject because you gain that as you go. We train the volunteer and provide them with material."

Sadly, every five minutes another individual develops this debilitating disease.

By 2038 an expected 1.1 million Canadians will have dementia.

There's no cure for Alzheimer, but with early diagnosis of dementia, support, the proper care and medications, people can live a better life.

For additional information about volunteering or to find out about Alzheimer, people can call (613) 345-7392, visit the office at the Brockville General Hospital, Garden Street Site at 42 Garden Street or email sean.mcfadden@alzheimerleedsgrenville.ca.

In Lanark County, the office is located at Lanark Lodge, 115 Christie Lake Rd., call 613-264-0307 (1-800-511-1911) or email alz@storm.ca.