Hearing the words, “you have dementia” can be overwhelming. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba wants everyone to know that you don’t have to navigate your next steps alone. When you connect with the Society, their caring staff of experts are there to listen and welcome you into a community of support.
That is what Gary Elbers found after learning that his wife Brenda has dementia. It was a scary time for him and his family. At first, Brenda’s forgetfulness seemed like a quirk to Gary, but it soon grew more frequent and started impacting her day-to-day activities. He found items from the kitchen under their bed, and it became a routine to search the house every night and put things back in their proper place.
Gary knew it was time to go to the doctor after he discovered his wife Brenda outside in her nightgown and slippers on a cold winter night, tapping on the window to be let back into the house. This alarming moment was one of several instances that told Gary something really wasn’t right.
After Brenda’s diagnosis, their doctor referred them to the Alzheimer Society, where he received support, guidance and resources to better understand dementia and the path ahead. He learned and grew his skills with the help of the Society and Brenda has been able to remain living at home. Gary calls the Society their “lifesaver,” and feels that reaching out kept him and his family afloat during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
No two stories are the same, which is why the staff at the Alzheimer Society listens and meets you where you are at, offering assistance and resources to suit your needs. Everyone is welcome, from a time you are worried and don’t know how to go about getting a diagnosis through to end-of-life and beyond.
Getting the right information and support when you need it can build strength and resilience, making each next step more manageable. Currently, more than 19,600 Manitobans are living with dementia and that is increasing at an alarming rate with nine new cases a day. This number does not reflect the number of care partners who are greatly impacted when there is a diagnosis in the family.
Whatever type of dementia you and your family are facing, there is a province-wide, caring and knowledgeable community waiting for you to connect.
The Alzheimer Society depends on Manitoba’s generous and philanthropic community to continue the important work they do.
In the spirit of the giving season, they ask that you consider donating to this vital lifeline for many.
This December, the first $27,228 donated will be doubled, helping even more families impacted by dementia.
Visit Alzheimer.mb.ca to watch a video highlighting Gary and Brenda’s story.