Looking to make a difference in your community? The non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. needs several volunteers in Duncan for the fall session of its Minds in Motion program.
The fitness and social program helps area residents who have early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Participants can enjoy a weekly morning or afternoon session with a friend, family member or care partner.
“It’s very rewarding work,” said Shanan St. Louis, the Society’s Minds in Motion coordinator for the Central and North Island. “You’re enriching the lives of others.”
A certified fitness instructor conducts the fitness portion of the program. A facilitator ensures participants are involved in activities such as billiards, Wii and ping pong, or just enjoying social time and light refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.
In addition to helping others, volunteers have the opportunity to spend rewarding one-to-one time with participants and see first-hand how people’s lives are enriched by this program. Some experience working with older adults and basic knowledge of, or experience with, dementia would also be helpful.
Minds in Motion takes place Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. from Nov. 9 through Dec. 14, at Cowichan Aquatic Centre.
For information on volunteering, contact Shanan St. Louis at the Alzheimer Resource Centre toll-free at 1-800-462-2833 or sstlouis@alzheimerbc.org.
To register as a participant in Minds in Motion, call 250-746-7665.
Minds in Motion is offered in partnership by the Seniors at Risk Integrated Health Network, and the Alzheimer Society of B.C. It is funded through the Vancouver Island Health Authority’s Continuing Care Services, and the B.C. Ministry of Health Services.
Residents can get more information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by visiting www.alzheimerbc.org