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Diagnosis can often be overwhelming for people continued from p.6 Across Halton there are 135 Memory Visiting volunteers but 65 clients are still waiting to be matched; of those, 30 are in Burlington, she said. Memory Visiting Program The Memory Visiting Program is designed to provide companionship to those experiencing memory loss and also give a much-needed break to the families who care for them, said Joanne Berrigan, co-ordinator for the program. "The impact that our volunteers have on a client's overall well-being can't be overestimated. "The extra companionship helps a person with dementia have a stronger sense of value and belonging," said Berrigan. Volunteers are given an understanding of dementia, how the dementia affects the client's ability to communicate, as well as what strategies to use to understand that person better," explains Blakely. Memory Visiting volunteers provide friendship, an important social connection that is often lost along the way. "And I think that's really important. This is a person (volunteer) who completely accepts you for who you are. "They're there to see you. They're not there to help you shower, they're not there to help you do any tasks of daily living, they're there to be with you," said Blakely. Acclaim Health also offers day programs in both Oakville and Burlington where clients attend a full day of activities, sometimes multiple times per week, for a subsidized fee of $22. These programs are not designed to improve a person's dementia, but to maintain their abilities, said Wood. "We know if we keep them engaged mentally, physically and socially, we keep the brain working, and if we keep the brain engaged, then perhaps we can extend the length of the course of the disease," she explained. Research shows Research shows that if an individual with dementia attends a day program two to three times a week, the results of delaying the progression of the disease are the same as using medication for the same purpose, said Robinson. In the region's long-term care homes, a number of different behavioural support methods are being implemented, including the Montessori Method. "The goal is to provide a person-centered approach that will support the resident's quality of life by promoting purposeful and meaningful activities of daily living through a supportive environment," said Andrea Pohl, director of services for seniors with Social and Community Services, Halton Region. Self-worth is key Activities are adapted to a person's ability and are geared for success, to provide individuals with feelings of self worth. "These feelings of self worth are generally lacking from individuals as we age and our abilities decrease for what we are able to do and give to others." Staff will continue to be trained in Gentle Persuasive Approach, learning how to diffuse escalating care situations with compassionate and gentle persuasive, nonviolent techniques, added Pohl. Acclaim Health will present a Dementia Information series for caregivers this spring at Tansley Woods Retirement Home. Dates have yet to be announced. For more information about programs, volunteering or resources, visit www. acclaimhealth.ca. 7 | Thursday, February 4, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com NEW YEAR NEW SALE 490 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE KDESIGNCABINETRY.COM 905.339.2223 DIAMOND DIAMOND Voted Best Accountant by Oakville Beaver Readers for 9 Consecutive Years CPA, CA, MBA, B. Eng Ricky Wong W For more information please check our website www.rickywong.ca · Accounting · Auditing · Taxation 1200 Speers Rd., Unit 32, Oakville, Ont. L6L 2X4 (905) 845 - 1408 | Fax (905) 845 - 5931 ALL YOU CAN EAT Lunch or Dinner 10% off Dinner* Dine in & cAsh onlY *With this AD Dine in for All You cAn eAt 280 North Service Road W. @ Dorval, Oakville 905.338.6228 7 DAYS A WEEk www.august8.ca