CFN – On World Alzheimer’s Day™, September 21, the Alzheimer Society, in partnership with the Champlain Dementia Network and the Champlain CCAC launched a behaviour change video titled No Thanks, We’re Fine: Supporting Families Living with Dementia directed by the Peabody Award-winning Director Firdaus Kharas. This video, available on YouTube, features the compelling stories of caregivers of people with dementia who share their experiences and encourage their fellow caregivers to seek community supports with the core message — that no caregiver is alone and that everyone should seek help. This video 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 new 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.”
“This video, that is being simultaneously premiered at the CCAC’s 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 waiting until a crisis occurs.”
About the Champlain CCAC
About the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall and District
The Alzheimer Society provides information, support day program services and education to individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In the Eastern Counties, there are 3,000 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.
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
