About
The Alzheimer Society Niagara Foundation was created to raise, manage, distribute, and steward financial resources to support the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region.
It is the fundraising arm of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region whose mission is to advocate for and with people living with dementia and their care partners and provide access to a diverse range of appropriate resources and supports.
Every year, the Foundation raises over $500,000 just to meet the status quo of service needs that are not funded by healthcare government dollars. This is mainly accomplished through a Walk for Alzheimer’s, a golf tournament, an annual campaign, as well as memorial, private, and corporate donations.
The Society offers a range of services that operate along the continuum of care, reflecting the journey at various stages to mitigate risk. Our programs respond to the need for individualized, home-based support while providing further opportunities for education, socialization, and resources. Since we see people in the context of their own homes, we can assess their needs first-hand and identify existing capacities. We help individuals and families to understand dementia as it relates to their unique experiences, and to adapt to changes in their everyday lives, relationships, and roles.
The Society plays a strong advocacy role for persons living with dementia, caregivers, and families. We also offer many education and training sessions for both informal and formal caregivers and the public at large.
Over the years, our organization has continued to expand its social and wellness programs exclusively with fundraised dollars, which is becoming more of a challenge every year. Evidence shows that meaningful pursuits provide enduring benefits for health and well-being.
Our Impact
There are over 11,099 persons living with a dementia in the Niagara Region and statistics show that for each person living with dementia there up to 10 others who may be impacted by the diagnosis.
The Alzheimer Society’s programs allow people living at home with dementia and their families to share their experiences with their own peers, participate in community-based activities, and receive individualized education and support for safe and active community living. Such programs reduce social isolation and caregiver burnout. In turn, this reduces the burden on the acute care system by keeping individuals in their own home longer.
Social isolation has been linked to adverse health effects, including dementia, increased risk for hospital readmission and increased risk of falls. One study found that lonely seniors have a 59% higher risk of physical and mental health decline, and a 45% greater risk of death.
“They are about friendship and bonding and give you a lifesaving feeling. They give you the strength to carry on. But we help each other too, that’s the big difference for me.”
