OTTAWA - Today on World Alzheimer's Day(tm), the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, in partnership with the Champlain Dementia Network and the Champlain Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) launched a behaviour change video titled No Thanks, We're Fine: Supporting Families Living with Dementia.
This video, directed by Peabody award-winning director Firdaus Kharas, is available on YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SPEWhue4Do> . It features the compelling stories of caregivers of people with dementia who share their experiences and encourage their fellow caregivers to seek community supports. Its core message is that no caregiver is alone and that everyone should seek help. This film also includes interviews with medical and community experts in Champlain region.
"I struggled with taking regular breaks at first," says Linda Assad-Butcher, one of the caregivers featured in the video speaking about the care she provides to her husband, Bob, who has dementia. "But now I know that one of the best ways that caregivers can keep their family member with dementia at home longer is to get respite. There are community supports to help caregivers such as day programs, the Guest House, and health care workers who can come to stay with your loved one for a while. You have to take care of yourself so you can continue to care for your loved one."
Kathy Wright, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County and Co-Chair of the Champlain Dementia Network, encourages family caregivers to not let stigma get in their way to access information and accept available help in the community. "Research tells us that early diagnosis, together with improved intervention, has the potential to delay onset of major Alzheimer symptoms by five years or more. Caregiver support programs can result in a 1½ year delay for long-term care placement."
"This video, which premiered simultaneously at our offices in Ottawa, Pembroke, and Cornwall, is a valuable tool for our case managers who every day support families living with dementia," says Gilles Lanteigne, CEO, Champlain CCAC. "It sends the important message that help is available and to reach out for support right away, not wait until a crisis occurs."
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About the Champlain CCAC
The Champlain Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) is the second largest health service provider in the Champlain LHIN with a budget of approximately $182 million and 660 staff. It serves more than 52,000 clients annually across our region.
The Champlain CCAC provides a single point of access to health and personal support services to help people live independently in their homes or to facilitate their transition into a long-term care home. The CCAC plans, coordinates and ensures the delivery of a full-range of in home and community-based services to support clients and their caregivers. In addition, the CCAC provides clients with information and connects clients to alternate sources of care in the community. Info: www.champlain.ccac-ont.ca
About the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County
The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County provides information, support and education to individuals and families living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. In Ottawa and Renfrew County, there are 13,000 people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This number does not include the family members and caregivers who must also cope with the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Info: www.alzheimer.ca/ottawa
About the Champlain Dementia Network
The Champlain Dementia Network (CDN) has the mandate to further develop a more coordinated and efficient system for clinical care and service delivery, education, research and policy development related to dementia. The broad range of representation from across the Champlain region on CDN includes long term care homes, Community Care Access Centre, diagnostic assessment and treatment services, local chapters of the Alzheimer Society, family caregivers, physicians and the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. Info: www.champlaindementia.org
About Firdaus Kharas, the film-maker
Firdaus Kharas, Creator, Producer, Director and Writer of Chocolate Moose Media, has led a very successful global series of behaviour change communications and videos. A Peabody award-winning director, Mr. Kharas has received numerous awards and prestigious recognition for his tremendous accomplishments. Info: www.chocmoose.com
For more information, please contact:
Suzanne Charest
Director, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Champlain CCAC
Phone: 613-745-8124 ext. 5997
Cell: 613-864-3925
E-mail: suzanne.charest@champlain.ccac-ont.ca
Debbie Seto
Communications Manager
Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County
Phone: 613-523-4004 ext. 127
E-mail: dseto@asorc.org