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Who we are
The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County exists to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and to promote research.
Charitable Registration No. 11878 5013 RR0001
• Established in 1980
• Non-profit and charitable
• Incorporated in 1982 - Provincial Charter
• Volunteer Board of Directors – 11 members
• Approximately 500 members and 100 volunteers
• Eighteen full time staff and two part time staff
• Associated with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario (38 chapters) and the Alzheimer Society of Canada
The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County contributed:
• $33,646 to the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Peer Review National Research Program for 2008/09
• approximately $573,000 to the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Peer Review National Research Program since 1984.
• $186,000 to evaluate the “Effect of Environmental Design in Managing Behavioural Problems and Meeting the Needs of Residents with Dementia: Evaluation of the Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Centre’s Bungalow Design”.
• $150,000 to support the Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Toronto through the Alzheimer Society of Ontario since 1984.
Our Vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Dignity
• We treat everyone we serve with dignity, empathy, compassion and respect for their right to make their own decisions.
Accessibility
• We strive to make our services available to all individuals and their families who experience the effects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Partnership
• We establish and promote partnerships and teamwork among staff & volunteers, community and government agencies, businesses and professionals to ensure a responsive and coordinated range of services to meet the needs of the people we serve.
Leadership
• We demonstrate leadership in advocating for the development of programs and services for those we serve based on innovation and excellence.
Integrity
• We are accountable to our members, funding organizations and donors for the stewardship of the resources entrusted to us on behalf of our communities.
MILESTONES
1984 – 1998
1984 Changes to Power of Attorney Act 1985 First Alzheimer Day Away Program in Canada - seen as a model 1985 First Alzheimer Home Assistance Program 1986 Satellite Day Away Program – West End 1987 Alzheimer Home Assistance Program transferred to Psychogeriatric Community Services, now known as Alzheimer & Related Disorders Unit 1988 Donation of free office space for five years by Sol Shabinsky,
President of Glenview Corporation (additional 5 years granted in 1993) Value estimated to be approximately $300,0001989 Developed Alzheimer 6-Hour Workshop – Caring for Clients with Dementia with Algonquin College (incorporated into regular course for Health Care Aides and Home Support Workers) 1989 Developed Alzheimer 24-Hour Course – Working with Alzheimer Clients and their Families with Algonquin College (now credit course status) 1992 Alzheimer Day Away Program transferred to VON Ottawa-Carleton 1993 Working with Alzheimer Clients and Their Families (a course developed jointly by the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa-Carleton and Algonquin College) granted credit status for post-diploma certificate programs in health care 1998 Dementia Studies Programs at Algonquin College becomes first Ministry of Education and Training approved dementia studies program in Canada, as a result of ASOC Sponsored Feasibility Study 1998 Joined forces in spring with the Region of Ottawa-Carleton Homes for the Aged Department to apply for provincial long-term care funding for the Dementia Care Residence (DCR) as part of the new Peter D. Clark Centre. Provincial funding approved for DCR in the fall 1998 Joined Dementia Network of Ottawa MILESTONES
1999– 2004
1999 Dementia Care Forum – At our chapter’s invitation, the Region of Ottawa-Carleton hosted a regional forum to plan for the dramatic increase in demand for dementia care 1999 Groundbreaking Ceremonies for the Region of Ottawa-Carleton’s Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Centre that includes the Bungalows initially developed by our chapter (formerly called Dementia Care Residence) was held in July 2001 Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Centre opens 2001 Chapter launches Satellite Office in Renfrew County 2001 Pilot Project for Enhancing Care Program completed (June 2001) 2001 Publication of “A Family Guide to Dementia Care in Ottawa”.
Ottawa’s 1st ever comprehensive guide (12 chapters) that provides information on commonly asked questions about the Alzheimer journey2001 Merged our Direct Mail Program with that of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario to form a combined direct mail program. Revenues to be shared by our two organizations with guaranteed funds to Alzheimer Society of Ottawa 2002 Launch of “First Link Pilot Project Program” thanks to a 2-year grant of $135,000 from Ontario Trillium Foundation 2002 Individual in the early stages of Alzheimer Disease joins the chapter’s Board of Directors as advisory members 2002 Dementia Care Forum II – Follow-up to the former one hosted by the Dementia Network of Ottawa to review the status of the recommendations identified in 1999, consider other priorities that have come to the forefront since that time, and determine how to further move the dementia agenda forward through a Call for Action 2003 Publication “A Family Guide to Dementia Care in Ottawa” was adopted by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario as a provincial resource after an extensive evaluation process 2004 Received one additional year of funding for First Link Program from Ontario Trillium Foundation – to March, 2005 MILESTONES
2004– 2007
2004 Partnership in Transitional Care Program: Bridging the Transition for the Individual, the Family and Staff of Community and Long Term Care – An Eastern Ontario Region Project funded by the Harold Crabtree Foundation 2004 Guest House – A home away from home (formerly known as Dementia Respite Bungalow) organizing partners of the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa, Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, and VON, Ottawa - Renfrew County Branch sign Letter of Agreement. 2005 Champlain Dementia Forum – Co-organized by our chapter, the focus of the Forum was to enhance the partnership among the three Dementia Networks in the Eastern Counties, Ottawa, and Renfrew County that came together under one umbrella to form The Champlain Dementia Network (Eastern Counties, Ottawa, and Renfrew). Participants began work on developing a regional approach for dementia in the Champlain region by sharing best practices of the Dementia Networks in the Champlain region, discussion of common priority areas of education and respite care, and the development of a regional action plan. 2006 First ever Eastern Ontario Dementia Symposium with focus on “Progress & Hope” presented by the Alzheimer Society, Regional Geriatric Assessment Program of Ottawa, and the Champlain Dementia Network. 2006 Guest House project receives operating funds from the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care under its Community Support Services funding. 2006 The Ontario Trillium Foundation is providing $85,000 funding to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa over two years (2006 – 2008) to assist the Champlain Dementia Network in its efforts to improve access to caregiver support and ensure better co-ordination of service delivery to persons with dementia and their family members in Eastern Ontario. 2006 Guest House sod-turning. 2007 Guest House welcomes its first guests. The Grand Opening was held on May 22nd with the help of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada. MILESTONES
2007– 2008
2007 The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County is one of four pilot sites to receive funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care through the Alzheimer Society of Ontario for the First Link Program ($900,000 over two-year) 2007 Chapter becomes the host agency for the Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant (PRC) for Renfrew County. The Geriatric Psychiatry Department of the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group remains responsible for all the PRCs in the Champlain Region. 2007 Chapter officially changes its name to Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County. 2007 “Effect of Environmental Design in Managing Behavioural Problems and Meeting the Needs of Residents with Dementia: Evaluation of the Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Centre’s Bungalow Design” – This research study was funded by our chapter, through the Alzheimer Society of Canada, in the amount of $186,000. One of the main purposes of our chapter’s involvement with this project was to carry out research to determine whether or not this kind of environment which was more residential in nature, housed fewer residents and was purpose built with special design features would improve the quality of life of the residents who lived there. 2008 Education Programs developed for both primary and secondary school students thanks to funding from a Foundation. 2008 Guest House’s 1st Anniversary Celebration highlighted with the launch of a virtual tour available on all three partners’ websites. 2008 Launch of the Champlain Dementia Network’s website at www.champlaindementianetwork.org that features an inventory of dementia-related services in Champlain region. 2008 Caregivers and Dementia – Our chapter in collaboration with the Champlain Dementia Network commissioned the Caledon Institute of Social Policy to carry out a study to identify the needs of caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia with a wide range of policy and program recommendations for improving respite options. MILESTONES
2009
2009 The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County received Aging at Home base funding for the First Link Program for the Champlain Region. 2009
Chapter staff playing lead roles in provincial projects:
• Lead, First Link – providing ongoing support to all First Link Coordinators ensuring program standards are maintained, assisting with developing program materials, and participating in the review of the Learning Series as a resource person
• Database Manager, Alzheimer Societies in Ontario – assisting with the development of the provincial database program and its rollout to chapters as well as the set-up, training, and technical support.
• Co-Chair, Ontario Dementia Network – Our chapter’s Executive Director, along with the Chief of the Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario, are providing leadership to the regional dementia networks in Ontario in the development of a comprehensive and well developed system of service delivery, education, and public policy in the field of dementia.
The Champlain Dementia Network, a coalition of three existing networks consisting of the Dementia Network of Ottawa, Eastern Counties and Renfrew County, was formalized in September, 2005. This 23 member voluntary organization with two co-chairs has wide representation including diagnostic assessment and treatment services, the Alzheimer Society, community services, caregivers, long-term care facilities, residential facilities, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, etc. Physician representation includes geriatric medicine, psychiatry, family medicine and neurology. The Champlain Dementia Network addresses gaps and unmet needs in the areas of service delivery, education and research related to dementia.
Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre
The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre is a partner with the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Carefor Health & Community Services in the building of the Guest House that was planned and designed to create a safe, homelike and supportive environment for persons in the early to mid-stage of dementia. Caregivers are able to take a break from the stresses of caregiving while their loved ones stay at this respite bungalow.
Carefor Health & Community Services is a partner with the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County and the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre in the building of the Guest House that was planned and designed to create a safe, homelike and supportive environment for persons in the early to mid-stage of dementia. Caregivers are able to take a break from the stresses of caregiving while their loved ones stay at this respite bungalow.
The City of Ottawa and the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa joined forces in 1998 to incorporate the footprint of the Bungalows into the design of the new Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Centre. The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa committed $100,000 to dementia training for the Centre’s staff and a further $150,000 for research to test the effectiveness of the Bungalows’ building design and the operating programs through the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Peer Review Research Program.
In 1999, the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa held a Dementia Care Forum followed by a city-funded Dementia Respite Care Research Study in 2000. The #1 priority identified by both the Forum and the research study was the urgent need for residential respite for people in the early to middle stages of dementia so their family caregivers could take a well-deserved break.
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care through the provincial Alzheimer Strategy funds two Alzheimer Society of Ottawa educational positions in Ottawa and Renfrew County.
Diversity Program
To promote linkages with cultural associations and community health centres focusing on multicultural groups to ensure that people and families, whatever their linguistic, cultural or diverse background, have access to the dementia-specific support, information and education that they need throughout the course of the disease …
RBC Foundation
The RBC Foundation is a proud supporter of our chapter’s Diversity Program that will help us:• reach out to two new groups, the Haitian and Arabic speaking communities.
• reconnect with the Vietnamese and Chinese communities, developing partnerships with organizations who serve these populations, to provide continued support and education in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• develop a framework for action and locate and develop suitable tools and resources for these 4 diverse groups.Dewaan Foundation
The Dewaan Foundation is a proud supporter of our chapter’s Diversity Program that will help us:
• create and field test a pilot program within the Lebanese community. .To reach out to the younger generation who has to cope with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias on family members.
Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life
This group’s generous contribution of $7,500 each year for a three-year period will support the further development, marketing, and evaluation of our chapter’s recently developed Youth Education Program. The goal of this program is to dispel myths and stigma, encourage healthy choices and lifestyles associated with long term brain health, promote intergeneration awareness and more. These funds will help with our increasingly received requests from:
• Schools that would like to include issues regarding dementia in an overall education program with a focus on seniors.
• long term care homes seeking to better help the children and grandchildren of their residents.Initiating a new supportive service for individuals with dementia and their families in the community…
Taking action from the recommendation of the Ottawa Respite Research Study, the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County developed the concept of the Guest House and invited The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, and Carefor Health & Community Services to be our partnering organizations in building the Guest House – A home away from home that provides respite care for people in the early to mid-stage of dementia who live in Eastern Counties, Ottawa and Renfrew County. Opened in March 2007, the 12 bedroom bungalow provides short and long term, planned and emergency respite stays with services available in English and French.
o Commonly Asked Questions
o Join the Guest House Volunteer Team
o Articles on Respite
o Guest House Virtual TourCommonly Asked Questions
Guest House Fact Sheet (English) December 2007 (pdf)
Dementia Care ForumInitiating the first ever regional public policy forum in Ottawa…
In 1999: At the request of the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa, the City of Ottawa agreed to host this one-day forum in 1999. The purpose was a call to action for the 75 invited local decision makers to develop priorities on three well-recognized gaps in dementia care – dementia education and training for professional caregivers, community services, and coordinated specialized diagnosis and support. The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa was the lead agency with the City of Ottawa and the Dementia Network of Ottawa as partners.
Specific recommendations were directed to 13 different organizations that included the City of Ottawa, the Community Care Access Centre, and the Champlain District Health Council. One major recommendation directed to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa, the Region and the Champlain District Health Council was to conduct a Respite Research Study to determine the real needs of dementia caregivers in Ottawa. Another recommendation was to provide housing options for those with dementia. The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa will explore new housing options.
In November 2002: Dementia Care Forum II was held.
In November 2005: “Champlain Dementia Forum: A Regional Approach for Action”, co-organized by our chapter, was designed to enhance the partnership among the three Dementia Networks in the Eastern Counties, Ottawa, and Renfrew County that came together under one umbrella to form The Champlain Dementia Network (Eastern Counties, Ottawa, Renfrew) and to begin to develop a regional approach for dementia in the Champlain region. Shared at the Forum: Best practices of the Dementia Networks in the Champlain region, discussion of common priority areas of education and respite care, and the development of a regional action plan for these two priorities.
On March 30, 2006: “Progress & Hope”, the first ever Eastern Ontario Dementia Symposium was presented by the Alzheimer Society, Regional Geriatric Assessment Program of Ottawa, and the Champlain Dementia Network.
On June 3, 2008: “Tough Issues: Ethical Issues in Dementia Care”, the second Eastern Ontario Dementia Symposium was presented by the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County and the Champlain Dementia Network. Keynote speaker was Dr. Stephen Post from the School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University on the topic of “Human Worth and the Most Deeply Forgetful”.
Influencing the way care is delivered to those with dementia in long term care facilities…
The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa conceived and developed the design and program for a 48-bed innovative dementia care facility formerly known as the “Dementia Care Residence” and now referred to as “The Bungalows”. The goal was to provide a demonstration model that would influence the way care is delivered to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in Ottawa and across Canada.
In 1998 the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa joined forces with the City of Ottawa to incorporate the footprint of the Bungalows into the design of the new Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Centre. The Ontario Ministry of Health approved the funding proposal for the Bungalows for its unique function to develop and evaluate state-of-the-art design and care programs for the most difficult to serve dementia residents -- an identified gap in Ottawa.The Bungalows are owned and operated by the City of Ottawa and are an integral part of the Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Centre which opened in May 2001. The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa committed $100,000 to dementia training for the Centre’s staff and a further $186,000 for research to test the effectiveness of the Bungalows’ building design and the operating programs through the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Peer Review Research Program. One of the main purposes of our chapter’s involvement with this project was to carry out research to determine whether or not this kind of environment which was more residential in nature, housed fewer residents and was purpose built with special design features would improve the quality of life of the residents who lived there. Research began in November 2004 for a 2-year period and was completed in the fall of 2007. Research results were directed to the Champlain Public Policy Committee.
Family Guide to Dementia CareSupporting caregivers through a comprehensive guide to information and resources…
The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa published “A Family Guide to Dementia Care in Ottawa” in November 2001 to provide families who are living with a person with dementia some information on care and community resources in the Ottawa area thanks to funding provided by the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care. It was the result of the Educational Needs Assessment we carried out in January 2000 to assess the dementia educational needs of families.After an extensive evaluation process undertaken in the spring of 2003, the second edition of this guide was published with a revised comprehensive 12 chapter guide that incorporated suggestions received from all our stakeholders and provided information on commonly asked questions about the Alzheimer journey from beginning to end. Topics include: The Disease; Drugs and Research; Understanding the System; Daily Life; Paperwork and Planning; and When Living at Home is Not Possible.
A listing of local community resources available can be found in the front pocket of the guide. All copies of this resource have been distributed.
Dementia Studies Programs at Algonquin CollegeInfluencing standards for dementia training…
In 1989, the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa worked closely with Algonquin College to develop and teach the first 24-hour course – Working with Alzheimer Clients and their Families. The chapter provided partial funding for this course over the years until credit course status was obtained. In 1997, the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa then financed a feasibility study that identified the need for specialty training for staff at all levels working in both long term care facilities and in the community setting. In 1998, the two Dementia Studies Programs at Algonquin College became the first Ministry of Education and Training approved course of this kind in Canada.The availability of these programs is the first step in addressing a regional, provincial, and national priority to standardize dementia training for staff at all levels both in the community and in long term care settings.
The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa will continue to work with its provincial organization to urge the Ministry of Health to allocate funding for these programs from the provincial Alzheimer Strategy Educational Initiative.Overview of Dementia Care, the first course in the Dementia Studies Programs, is now available as a web-based course.
Alzheimer Day Away ProgramInitiating the first respite program of its kind in Canada…The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa started the first ever Alzheimer Day Away Program in 1985 to provide social and recreational activities for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and to provide relief and support to caregivers. This program ensures positive experiences for all clients where possible in a caring and non-threatening environment. In 1986, we opened a satellite Alzheimer Day Away Program. These programs have served as models for the establishment of similar services throughout Ontario and Canada. In 1992, in keeping with our philosophy of being an initiator and not a provider of services, the Society divested the two Day Away Programs to the Victorian Order of Nurses.
Changes to Power of Attorney ActAffecting change in legislation for the benefit of those coping with dementia …
During 1982 – 83, our local Alzheimer chapter along with the new Provincial Society and a number of support groups continued work on the problems faced by those whose assets had been taken over by the Public Trustee.In May 1982, the Government had set up a Committee to study “access to Legal Services”. Our chapter sought legal advice and started a new round of letter writing. A Provincial Committee polished our petition for the Provincial Legislature and had it approved by all the Alzheimer Society chapters. We were invited to present the petition in the Legislature and Attorney General Roy McMurtry assured us that changes would be made.
In December 1983, changes to the Mental Health and Powers of Attorney Acts were passed and on January 1, 1984, the revised Acts came into effect. This meant that “durable Powers of Attorney were now law. There was a grandfather clause to make current powers “durable” also. This effectively insured that just because a person was declared “incapable”, the Public Trustee did not take over control, as long as a capable other held his/her Power of Attorney.
Sources of RevenueThe Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County takes great care to ensure that funds are used as directed, within a reasonable period of time, and invested with fiscal responsibility.
To provide funding for the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s vital programs and services, projects, and research, our chapter receives funds through special events, donations, bequests, memorial contributions, and government grants.. Our chapter has shifted its focus from special events to planned giving and major gifts so we can use our limited human and financial resources more efficiently.Our chapter receives only a small portion of all its revenues from government funding to support its programs.
Special Events
Alzheimer Golf Tournament, hosted by the Hammond Golf & Country Club, has been held every August since 1987. The 2008 event raised over $54,000. Upcoming fundraising eventsWalk for Memories has been held during National Alzheimer Awareness Month every January since 1996. The January 2009 event raised $120,000. Collins Barrow Ottawa LLP, Chartered Accountants, Scotiabank, and Alavida-The Ravines were the local lead sponsors of this fundraiser. Upcoming fundraising events
Coffee Break™ is a national event which has been held since 1996 in September on World Alzheimer’s Day. Event hosts collect donations for every cup of coffee poured. The money raised within each community stays in that community to support local Alzheimer programs and services. Upcoming fundraising eventsHealthpartners is is a partnership of 16 national health charities, including the Alzheimer Society of Canada, who raise funds for medical research and provide direct services to Canadians in their communities. Canadian federal government employees and retirees will have the opportunity to direct their gifts towards improving the health of Canadians by payroll deduction or cash donations through the GCWCC (Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign) managed by United Way/Centraide. Donors can direct their gifts to the general Healthpartners fund or designate it to a certain group. If you would like your contribution to go to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County or the overall Alzheimer movement, please designate your wishes on the pledge form. Info: www.healthpartners.ca or the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County at 613-523-4004 or the Alzheimer Society of Canada at 1-800-616-8816. Upcoming fundraising events
Donations
Individuals and organizations make donations in a variety of ways. Examples include memorial donations, “in honour” of special occasions (e.g. wedding, special birthdays, retirement, etc.), general donations, and memberships. Corporate donations are often made to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County through special events hosted by companies and charitable corporate employee matching programs. Ways to HelpMemorial Donations are made by friends and family of those who have passed away with Alzheimer's disease. Donations are made both directly to Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and through funeral homes. Ways to Help
General Donations are given to Alzheimer Society of Ottawa through various methods including third party fundraisers, corporate matching, and tribute gifts honouring a special event. Individuals can also donate securities, insurance policies, and annuities to the society. Ways to HelpMemberships to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County members will receive a quarterly chapter newsletter; notices of meetings of special interest to Alzheimer families, health care professionals, and educators; and voting privileges at Annual General Meeting.” ? Members will receive the chapter’s newsletter Alzheimer lifeline; notices of meetings of special interest to families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, health care professionals, and educators; and voting privileges at Annual General Meeting. Ways to Help
Bequests
Bequests have provided the greatest income to support the work of the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County -- over $1 million dollars in the past 10 years. Due to the increasing number of individuals and family members coping with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, it is anticipated that bequests will continue to be significant over the coming years. For more information on tax benefits or your questions, please contact us at 613-523-4004 or info@asorc.org
Government Funding
The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care through the provincial Alzheimer Strategy funds two educational positions, Ottawa and Renfrew County.
“Alzheimer
Society” and the Forget-Me-Not symbol are trademarks of the Alzheimer
Society of Canada. Used under licence.
The Alzheimer Society’s symbol, the Forget-Me-Not flower, represents
memory loss -- one of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease -- and serves
as a reminder to remember people with Alzheimer's disease and their
caregivers.
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| THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF CANADA (1978)
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| Alzheimer's Disease International (1984)
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