This past weekend, SafeTracks had the privilege of attending the Early Onset Dementia Alberta Foundation's (EODAF) conference in Red Deer, Alberta on November 18th and 19th, 2016. The future is being planned carefully while nurturing the idea of providing care for those with dementia is critical with an aging population.
According to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, people tend to begin developing the first stages of dementia once they hit 65. However, this does not exclude the "younger" generation of those who are in their 40's and 50's. Dementia itself is such a difficult concept to grasp, for everyone. Unfortunately, very few people can understand it, even those who live with it on a daily basis. Those suffering face numerous challenges that can potentially affect their lives in a negative way these include; having no option but to be dependent on others, severe memory loss, isolation, lack of supporters around them and the list continues.
Currently, there are 564,000 people living with dementia across Canada. That number is estimated to triple within 15 years. Those affected directly and/or indirectly costs over 1.1 Million according to The Alzheimer's Society. Currently, there is no medication to prevent or reverse the effects of dementia.
Presenters came from all over the world to discuss the innovative ways that individuals in Alberta, who are living with Early Onset Dementia, can participate in activities that can enhance their lives. While exploring different end solutions to strengthen facilities that lack in proper care.
President, Vince Morelli presented SafeTracks flagship device, the TRiLOC™. Vince spoke about the benefits of using GPS Personal Locator Devices for people living with Dementia and their caregivers, especially those at risk of wandering.
Keynote speaker Dr. David Sheard, from Dementia Care Matters (http://www.dementiacarematters.com), attended the conference from the UK. Dr. Sheard spoke about Butterfly Care Homes and their positive affect on people living with Dementia in the UK, Australia, and Canada. Watch the video HERE.
Dr. Duncan Robertson present, speaking about the future release of Alberta's Dementia Strategy. Alberta and New Brunswick are the only two provinces in Canada that do not have an active strategy in place.
Moments that stood out at the EODAF conference included Dementia Companion Dogs, Boxing offered at the Dopamain Gym and Music Therapy.