Unique art project bringing people with dementia together
A new partnership is bringing a splash of colour to the lives of those battling dementia in Simcoe County.
The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County has joined forces with the MacLaren Art Centre on Creative Spark. The pilot project has seen people living with dementia and their caregivers come together weekly for six weeks to do a different art project each time.
"It's specifically a time where they are able to actually get out, maybe get away from the house, step out into a space that is a safe space," said Mar Lewis, the community art coordinator for the MacLaren Art Centre. "MacLaren has done some training to become a dementia-friendly community supporter in our community."
According to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, approximately 11,000 people in Simcoe County are living with dementia.
This pilot program is open to those in the early to mid stages of their diagnosis and their caregivers.
"They can create those social connections," said Jana Douglas, the emotion coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. "They can make new friendships that are going through the same journey. The care partners can make new friends and know that they are not alone."
Until June 13, the work created throughout the program will be on display until June 13. After that, each program participant can bring their work home with them.
The two community partners are working to secure funding to bring the program, which is offered to participants free of charge, back in the Fall.
"We started week one where they were unsure of who they were, what they were doing to week six where they jump right into that project and their building new friendships," said Douglas. "They are leaving with friendships, and coming out, that's a huge benefit."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
One of the two pilots aboard an airplane carrying fuel reported there was a fire on the airplane shortly before it crashed and burned outside Fairbanks, killing both people on board, a federal aviation official said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
Manitoba government tables bill to end ban on homegrown recreational cannabis
Manitoba is planning to lift its ban on the home growing of recreational cannabis.