Many “children” whose parents are aging (and who often have children of their own), face the dilemma of how to care for them if in the process of aging, they develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. As you are aware, dealing with folks who are experiencing memory loss, also means dealing with related issues of cognitive ability. In other words, their ability to reason things out is impaired – and puts these people at risk.
They are at risk of poor financial and self-care issues. But they may also wander and become lost.
On Monday June 26th we will be hosting Minister of Senior Affairs Damerla, at 1pm at the Chamber Officer, where she will be making a formal announcement on an initiative for our aging community. As well – we will be unveiling Project Lifesaver, a collaborative initiative by the Barrie Chamber, Simcoe.com, the City of Barrie, Barrie Police, Georgian Bay Search & Rescue, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, the City of Innisfil, the Innisfil Chamber and the South Simcoe police, as well as the Alzheimer’s Society who are working with us to get this initiative off the ground.
There are over 5,000 seniors living with dementia in Simcoe County and this project will help prevent another senior from going missing, in our community. For those interested, please register online at the Chamber site (http://barriechamber.com). You’ll hear more about our efforts on June 26th with the group is looking for $25,000 in sponsorship to equip seniors at risk with transmitter bracelets.
