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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK - “Dementia not to be feared,” says volunteer with family history of dementi
“I do not fear this illness, and am comfortable with the thought that someday I may also have Alzheimer’s disease and live in a care home,” said Carolyn Herbert, a retired licensed practical nurse from Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Her mother, who is now 91, has Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Her mother’s sister also has vascular dementia as did their late mother and a cousin.
She participates in a longitudinal study through the University of Victoria’s Centre of Aging and over the course of nine years has recognized her own memory failings in specific areas. In response, she is practicing skills adopted by many people with early cognitive impairment and early stage dementia, such as preparing to give up her car by taking transit and using memory prompts like post-it notes.
Carolyn credits a wealth of education through her career in the health sector, as well as, volunteer support she receives from the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for her approach to her family’s history with the disease.
“Dementia is not to be feared,” explained Carolyn. “My relationship with my mom and aunt are enriched by the ways we are adapting in our communications and activities, and I feel valued as part of their care teams. My sister from Ottawa is my treasured co-care partner when she comes three times a year to visit.”
Her goal now is to do all she can to remove the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and to make the quality of life as enriched as possible for those living at home and in care facilities.
“Volunteering has given me continued purpose in life and an opportunity to use my education and skills to advocate for and benefit others,” explained Carolyn. “I am so pleased that the Alzheimer Society has developed the Shaping the Journey education series to help people see that there is a real quality of life beyond the diagnosis until the period of dependency.”
The Society provides free education and training for volunteer facilitators of its support groups, an integral part of the service it delivers to families in communities across British Columbia.
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Society, including helping to coordinate and deliver key programs such as First Link®, to taking a leadership role in a local community for events such as the Investors Group Walk for Memories, or helping the Provincial Office staff to support the Society’s province-wide network.
If you have time and energy to contribute and would like to know more about volunteering with us, review current volunteer job postings or contact Jo-Anne Teal, HR and Volunteer Administrator at 604-742-4924 in Vancouver or 1-800-667-3742 elsewhere in B.C.
