As the baby boomers age, the need for community support services is expected to grow over the next thirty years. An area of care expected to see substantial increase in need is programs and services that support older adults living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, plus additional supports for their caregivers.
In Canada alone, over half a million people are living with dementia today. While women make up the majority of those diagnosed of these people, men still account for over 38%. As the baby boomers age, the need for community support services is expected to grow over the next thirty years. An area of care expected to see substantial increase in need is programs and services that support older adults living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, plus additional supports for their caregivers. In Canada alone, over half a million people are living with dementia today. While women make up the majority of those diagnosed of these people, men still account for over 38%.
The Carefor North-Stor Support Centre has been a hub of activity with its Adult Day Program (ADP) for over six years, supporting older adults with cognitive and physical challenges and offering a reprieve for their caregivers. The goal for ADP is to enhance each individual’s own strengths and abilities through social, emotional and physical support. Over the past two years the number of men needing ADP support has grown. It was decided in September 2022 to start a men’s specific ADP group that would tailor its programming to meet the needs of men.
Every Thursday, the new men’s club gets together spending their time-sharing stories with one another, staying active, and engaging in planned activities. Johnny has been part of the Carefor ADP Program for over five years and is known as the jokester of the group. He shared, “It lets you get out of your house. It’s nice to socialize and do games. I enjoy visiting with others in the group.”
Gail, Johnny’s wife and caregiver, takes the opportunity relax, put her feet up and indulge in some of her favourite tv shows knowing Johnny is in good hands. Gail explained, “It gives me a reprieve, but it also gives me a wonderful satisfaction knowing Johnny has his own group of social friends, and that he gets the exercise and a good meal. At the end of the day, he has those interests to bring home. We are very insular people, so I like for him to get out and have his own social time.”
In 2020, there were over 350,000 caregivers in Canada supporting partners living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. This number is expected to increase by 188% in the next 30 years. Programs like Carefor’s Adult Day Program are foundational in supporting caregivers and giving them the care they need themselves to better care for their loved one. Carefor is grateful to its donors and community partners for supporting our place in the future of healthcare.