Tickets start at $10 for 3 and provide you with a chance to win BIG in both a weekly prize and a larger progressive jackpot with 50% of all ticket sales going to Alzheimer Societies across Ontario.

How it works

1. Purchase your tickets and choose an envelope that might contain the Ace of Spades.
2. Wait until the weekly draw Thursday at 6:30 PM to see if your ticket is chosen. If it is, you’ll win 20% of that week’s ticket sales. If your card is the Ace of Spades, you’ll also win the Catch the Ace Progressive Jackpot.
3. If your card is not the Ace of Spades, the progressive jackpot will continue to grow and that card is removed from the deck, increasing the chances of catching the ace next week!
4. Weekly draws continue until the Ace of Spades is caught.

Buy your tickets now! catchtheaceforalz.ca

Learn more! https://catchtheace4alz.ca/faq

Thank you to everyone who participated in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s and raised funds for those living with dementia, their caregivers and their families. We raised $166,000 and still counting in our area of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk and Hamilton Halton.

The Chartwell Waterford Retirement Residence is proud to support this year’s IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s; we walk this year to honour the 11,000 people living with dementia in Halton Region, and our 33 residents living in our Memory Living Neighbourhood. Together with the Alzheimer Society, the Chartwell Waterford Retirement Residence creates a bright future for seniors living with Alzheimer’s. Thank you to the Alzheimer Society for introducing the Music for Memory Program to our residents, each day they smile a little brighter because of your support.

Join the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s and make a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

Get Involved

In 1982 Jeannette’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Due to a lack of resources in Hamilton, Jeannette created an information service to assist families experiencing a dementia diagnosis, which eventually became the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton.  Jeannette set up an office in her basement (using a diaper box to store files), put together a board of directors, and applied for Trillium funding to hire an educator.

Celebrating a Legacy of Care and Service

In the early months of 2021, Alzheimer Society staff, led by Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Paul Scibetta, spent weeks gathering cards, letters and gifts to celebrate and acknowledge Jeannette’s 35 years of dedicated service.

As Chief Executive Officer Mary Burnett shares, “Jeannette Tootell was an amazing woman who contributed greatly in many different roles with the Alzheimer Society over 35 years. Her Wednesday morning sessions were a lifeline for many. She helped hundreds navigate the experience of caring for someone living with dementia.”

To add a touch of humour and wit to the care package, Paul packaged up all the expressions of gratitude in a diaper box, as a nod to the early days of the Society!

The next day, Jeannette wrote a letter back to Paul reflecting back on her decades of service. We treasure those words now and hold them close as a comfort while we grieve the loss of Jeannette and celebrate her incredible legacy:

Jeannette’s Story in Her Words

Good morning Paul:

In November of 1982 when the specialist told my late husband “your mother cannot go home” and went directly to Henderson Hospital, I could never have dreamed of how my life would be changed – personally stressed yes, but so enriched by so many incredible people. From diaper box to diaper box will be my forever joke.

Yesterday, your front porch delivery evoked so many memories of fellow sojourners on the road of life. In January of 1988 when Gertrude Cetinski and I were opening boxes of furniture to establish our very first office at 875 Main West, and the very first walk-in client came through the door to say, “I’m concerned about my wife”, he was the first of many to come into the care of the Alzheimer Society. It is difficult for me to wrap my head around the growth of the Society to the present time.

The gifts and cards in yesterday’s diaper box prompted tears and laughter. Many thanks for the messages, cards and notes, the shawl, the hat… the plaque, the beautiful floral arrangement – I will cherish them all. To each and every person involved with the present organization in whichever location you find yourself, thank you for the ways in which you are making life easier for those affected by dementia.

Again, my thanks.

Hugs and blessings,

Jeannette Tootell

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Cresmount Funeral Home and memories can be shared online at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/hamilton-on/jeannette-tootell-10136282. In lieu of flowers, Jeannette asked that people donate to her favourite charity, the Alzheimer Society, or to her faith community, Wentworth Baptist Church, 120 Wentworth St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 5V7.

Click here to download a PDF of the guide

This guide includes some useful tips about preparing for filing one’s taxes and a list of common credits and benefits outlining what they are, who may be eligible, and how to apply.

While credits specifically for people living with dementia are limited, this guide also includes other credits/benefits that are targeted towards people 65 and over. Each section includes links to their corresponding websites for more information if needed.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.alzhn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Tax-Credit-Guide-for-Ontarians-Living-with-Dementia.pdf” title=”Tax Credit Guide for Ontarians Living with Dementia”]

Click here to download the PDF, or read it at the bottom of this page!

Information on the Ontario vaccine booking system (last updated – March 30):

Please note that this information may not reflect the most current information available from the province. Please visit ontario.ca/bookvaccine for the most up-t0-date information. Thank you!

Ontario has launched a provincial online booking system and customer service desk for COVID-19 vaccination appointments at mass immunization clinics.

Effective Monday, March 22, 2021, the Ontario government is expanding appointments through its online booking system to individuals aged 75 and over  at ontario.ca/bookvaccine. They will be asked for their Ontario health (OHIP) card, birth date, postal code and email. To book online, individuals will need to have a green photo health (OHIP) card as both numbers on the front and back of the card are required. Expired cards will be accepted.

As of Monday, March 29th, some public health units are also opening vaccine bookings for adults ages 70 and over. Visit ontario.ca/bookvaccine

Individuals who still have a red and white health card, or who require assistance with booking, can call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). The information line is open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with information available in more than 300 languages.

Information on AstraZeneca vaccines at pharmacies (last updated – March 19):

Please note that this information may not reflect the most current information available from the province. Please visit ontario.ca/bookvaccine for the most up-t0-date information. Thank you!

From the Government of Ontario website:

“On March 16, 2021, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) expanded its recommendation for the use of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine to people 18 years old and older. In alignment with NACI’s latest recommendation and Ontario’s Ethical Framework, as of March 22, 2021, participating pharmacies and primary care settings will offer vaccination appointments to individuals aged 60 and over. Eligible Ontarians can contact a participating pharmacy directly to make an appointment. In addition, many primary care providers are directly contacting eligible patients to book an appointment.

The province also continues to expand the delivery channels available to administer COVID-19 vaccines, with another 350 pharmacies to be brought on board across the province in the next two weeks bringing the total to approximately 700 locations. It is expected that this number would again be doubled to approximately 1,500 by the end of April. Depending on vaccine supply, retail pharmacies could administer up to 40 per cent of all vaccinations by the end of April. Details on additional locations and the application process for pharmacy participation will be shared in the coming days. In addition, vaccinations in primary care settings will continue in collaboration with public health units.”

Click here for more information: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60816/ontarios-booking-system-to-expand-to-individuals-aged-75-and-older-as-vaccine-rollout-accelerates

Contact information for local public health units:

Haldimand Norfolk & Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

The Health Unit has launched a dedicated COVID-19 vaccine phone line and email address for public questions on vaccinations at 519-427-5903 and email at vaccine@hnhss.ca. The phone line and email address are NOT for booking vaccinations.

Brant County

Click here for online booking: https://www.bchu.org/ServicesWeProvide/InfectiousDiseases/Pages/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinic-Appointments.aspx

If you are unable to book online, please ask a family member, loved one or friend for assistance. If you are unable to book online, please call 519-753-4937 and press “2” to access the booking line.

Brant County is also offering free transportation to help older adults get to the vaccine clinic. Effective immediately, all seniors who are requesting Brant eRide for the purpose of accessing a local vaccine clinic will be able to do so free of charge. Brant eRide is the County’s public transportation service. For more information about how to book a ride, visit www.brant.ca/eRide or call 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268), 1.855.44BRANT. Please book a ride at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment.

Six Nations Health Services

Click here for online booking: https://ocean.cognisantmd.com/intake/IntakePortal.html?eReqRef=e214c1e9-1224-41f9-b8e6-8059dd4dfe5a

Call 226-227-9288 between Monday and Friday from 9:00AM to 4:30PM. (The vaccine registration phone number should only be used if people do not have access to the internet.)

Hamilton

For more information on vaccine booking, please visit: https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-booking.

Halton

Click here for online booking: https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/New-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccines/COVID-19-Vaccination-Clinics#book

You may also book your appointment by calling 311 or 1-866-442-5866 (toll free). Please only call 311 if you require assistance, to ensure those that need support have access.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.alzhn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Covid-19-Vaccines-What-Older-Canadians-Need-to-Know.pdf” title=”Covid 19 Vaccines – What Older Canadians Need to Know”]

It was January 2017 when Naome Howe first reached out to the Alzheimer Society. Her husband Leonard had been diagnosed the previous month with Lewy Body Dementia – the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease – at the age of 69. After diving into research on the condition, Naome quickly came to the conclusion that “we were going to need support.”

However, reaching out for help is not something that always comes naturally to either Leonard or Naome, two people who have many decades of experience providing support, guidance and leadership to others.

Prior to his retirement, Leonard was a seasoned executive, which still comes across clearly when you speak with him – he is deliberate, action-oriented and can easily command the attention of a room. For her part, Naome is a psychotherapist and has many years of experience being the one providing care to others in need.

“The first time you reach out is a big moment,” recalls Naome, “there is a sense that if you cross that threshold of making that phone call, everything will be different than it was before.”

But they both emphatically agree that reaching out – and doing so early – was one of the best decisions they ever made. Despite initial confusion arising from the Society’s name (the Alzheimer Society provides support for all types of dementias, not just Alzheimer’s disease), the Society quickly became a cornerstone in the Howe family’s support system.

Early Experiences with the Alzheimer Society

They both affectionately recall their early interactions with Amanda, a counsellor from the Society with whom they remain in regular contact to this day: “My first impression of Amanda was that she was professional, competent and really knows her stuff,” explained Leonard, adding, “She was great and continues to be great.”

In addition to being a source of information and compassionate ear during difficult times, the Howes explain that Amanda has acted as a bridge to other programs and services that have been supportive on their family’s journey with dementia. From support groups to educational workshops and recreational activities offered by the Society, “there were lots of programs we may have never tried without her encouragement, but we were never sorry that we did,” says Naome.

Dementia Changes Over Time — but the Society is Always There

“Even more recently, when we’ve connected with other healthcare service providers, none of that would have happened if Amanda hadn’t made the first connection for us with these providers,” adds Naome, highlighting the system navigation support that Amanda has offered the couple. “That’s huge,” she adds, “because the system is already overwhelming, confusing and frightening. It’s not that the Alzheimer Society takes away the challenges you have, but there is a sense of knowing the lay of the land that helps a great deal.”

Looking back to 2017 and their early contact with the Alzheimer Society, Leonard and Naome both remark on how much has changed with regards to Leonard’s condition, and the impact it has on their lives. “Things were a lot easier back then,” explains Leonard, “now they’re tricky, you have to strategize your moves and your appointments.”

The couple’s relationship with the Alzheimer Society has been a constant throughout Leonard’s illness, which is vital given the changing nature of his condition. “Over time, it shifts and changes,” offers Leonard, “in my case, the degree of that shift often goes through the roof and it becomes much more complex…there are more things to juggle.”

Words of Wisdom for Others on the Journey

When asked to offer words of wisdom to other individuals or families who may be feeling hesitant to reach out to the Alzheimer Society for the first time, Naome offers this: “you have nothing to lose and you don’t know what you don’t know.”

Naome further remarked that when they first reached out, the Howes worried that they were reaching out ‘too early’ – something their counsellor assured them wasn’t possible. “You don’t even need to know what questions you need to ask,” Naome adds, “because a lot of that has been thought out for you already. It’s a nice way to be introduced to these concepts without feeling like you have to figure it out all at once, and you can pick and choose what’s right for you — and there’s no judgment.”

Both Naome and Leonard agree that having someone such as Amanda walking beside them through this journey has had a significant positive effect on their lives, and they would urge others to seek out the same support. “Our experience is that the Society is so warm and so accommodating to where you’re at, that you can really exhale”, says Naome.

Please click here for the phone number of your local Society office. Our staff are there to take your call!

Jennifer Thompson

What is your job title?

Intake Coordinator

What attracted you to the position when you first applied?

Honestly, what appealed to me most about the position when I applied was that it was with the Alzheimer Society! I had been a volunteer with the Alzheimer Society in Oxford County as a teen and into my twenties, and always held the organization in high esteem. I wanted to be a part of it! I have always had a passion for working with the elderly, especially those with dementia, so working for the Alzheimer Society seemed like a natural fit for me.

What does your role entail?

Intake Coordinators are responsible for all new referrals to the organization, and for connecting with people calling or stopping in for the first time. We speak with potential new clients to share information about the organization, complete the intake process, and connect individuals with the services that best suit their needs and situation.

What is your favourite part about your role?

I love talking with people! Although there are definite similarities in the stories I hear from our clients, every situation is unique with it’s own set of emotions, family dynamics, and needs. I pride myself on being a compassionate listener and problem-solver, and am so fortunate to have a lot of services and support to offer our clients because of all of the great work our staff are doing. There is an instant relief felt by caregivers and individuals with dementia when they realize that they will not be going though their journey alone, and they will often express their gratitude during the initial call. The role of intake is busy, but full of gratifying moments every day.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I love to create things! Whether it’s sewing, knitting, paper-crafting, cookie decorating, or any other hands-on craft, you will probably find the supplies for it in my basement stash!