The Alzheimer Society of B.C. doesn’t receive ongoing government funding for core programs. Instead, we rely on the generosity of individuals, organizations, businesses, corporations and the community at large to ensure that people whose lives are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are connected to a community of information, services and support. For information about donating to us, click here.
Funds raised through donations go towards four key areas:
Here’s how your support makes a difference:
Information and Support Services
- Through our community based Resource Centres, and here on our Web site, we provide reliable news and information that helps people cope with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including those in the early stages of the disease, family members, caregivers and health professionals.
- Here are some helpful links within our Web site:
- We have a telephone-based Dementia Helpline that provides support and local resource information. It is accessed through a province-wide, toll-free number.
- We offer newsletters for people with dementia and for caregivers, which provide up-to-date information and strengthen the ability of people to cope with the disease.
- Currently, we have the following newsletters available both online and in print form:
- Insight – a newsletter written by people with dementia, for people with dementia.
- In Touch – a newsletter for caregivers
- Contact – a newsletter keeping people up-to-date on our activities and issues.
- We also provide information about the disease through books, brochures, fact sheets, flyers, journals and videos. Contact your closest Resource Centre or call us toll-free at 1-800-667-3742 to obtain information.
- We organize support groups throughout the province so that people impacted by the disease can share and learn from their common experiences. We have support groups for people in the early stages of the disease, and for family members and friends.
- We organize public forums in communities across B.C. offering information about the disease, the services provided by the Alzheimer Society, and local resources available. Some of the forums also provide updates on the latest in Alzheimer research.
- We coordinate Safely Home/BC Photo Registry, a registry used by police to assist in the safe return of people with dementia who get lost or wander.
Education Programs
We provide education for people with dementia, for families, and for professional caregivers.
- Here are some of the education programs we currently offer:
- The Family Caregiver Series – a course that helps family members and friends understand the impact of the disease and guides them on how to prepare for the future.
- Shaping the Journey – education sessions for people newly diagnosed that helps them understand what is happening and to look at their future needs.
- Making the Connection – education for professionals and facility care teams to improve the standard of care received by people with dementia.
For more details on these education programs, please contact us at 604-681-6530, toll-free at 1-800-667-3742 or e-mail info@alzheimerbc.org.
Research
- Of great importance is funding research to find the causes of the disease and a cure. Nationally, the Alzheimer Society and its partners invest more than $3 million annually in research.
- Nationally, we also fund social and psychological research focusing on improving methods of caregiving and delivering services to people affected by dementia.
- We provide information on how individuals can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Public Policy
- Public Policy is advocacy aimed at changing or influencing individual behaviour, public opinion, and government policy or law. It consists of different strategies including speaking up, drawing the public's attention to an important issue, and directing decision-makers toward a solution.
- Our Government Relations section describes our advocacy around public policy, and keeps you informed about issues that are important.
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Support Services
