By Kristine McGinn
June is Seniors Month, a time to pause and recognize the invaluable contributions of this group of individuals, who have a PhD in life and who have helped shape every aspect of our community in one way or another. What a gift it is to celebrate them.
Our seniors have never been in better company. Canada is aging and people are living longer. There has never been a better time to show our appreciation for our older adults and to support them when they need us as they age.
As more of us are living longer, unfortunately, the number of individuals with cognitive decline is on the rise. While dementia is not a part of the normal aging process, it does touch the lives of thousands in our community. It doesn’t arrive with a single headline; it unfolds quietly, often affecting people long before a diagnosis is made. Many of us don’t want to talk about dementia, but doing so can reduce fear, improve early support, and dispel myths, replacing them with understanding. Each of us in some way will be touched by it—whether through parents, grandparents, partners, friends or our own lives.
The upside is that we have a fantastic resource right here in our community: the Dementia Society, a group of knowledgeable, caring, skilled individuals who work tirelessly to support individuals and families impacted by dementia.
According to the Dementia Society, 24,000 people are currently impacted by dementia in Ottawa and Renfrew County. This number is expected to more than double in the next 25 years, making the need for support, education and compassionate care more urgent than ever.
For more than 45 years, the Dementia Society has been providing essential education, compassionate support and tailored coaching for those impacted by dementia. From support groups and educational workshops to personalized guidance and social activities, these offerings help people navigate the challenges of dementia with dignity and hope.
The Dementia Society’s programs and services include one-on-one coaching, caregiver support, workshops, webinars and resources, as well as social and recreational activities, all provided free of charge, in both official languages, across Ottawa and Renfrew County.
This year, the Dementia Society will continue its fundraising and community-building tradition: the annual Walk for Dementia. It takes place September 20. The goal this year is to reach $300k, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to sustaining and growing the Dementia Society’s programs, so that no one faces dementia alone.
The walk is more than a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and shared purpose.
Want to help? Getting involved is easy and meaningful. You can register as a walker, form a team, volunteer or donate. Whether you walk in honour of a loved one or simply want to make a difference, your participation helps build a more dementia-friendly community.
To learn more about the Walk for Dementia, the Dementia Society’s services or how you can help, visit www.dementiahelp.ca.
Together, we can make every step count.
Kristine McGinn, BSc.
Nursing, is the director of
Integracare East, an award winning
home health care company proudly serving the
Ottawa community. Connect with her at
kristine@integracare.ca.
