A Program that supports the cognitive health of English-speaking seniors in Québec
The current trend of increasing numbers of people living with dementia has been likened to a tsunami that affects all aspects of life, everywhere in the world, in Canada and in Quebec.
- According to the Quebec Federation of Alzheimer Societies, 360,000 Quebecers will be living with dementia by 2050, an increase of 145% compared to 2020.
Hope for Dementia believes that the trajectory can be reversed if appropriate prevention strategies are widely implemented.
- Research as shown that the memory of older people is improved when they are engaged in new activities that are cognitively demanding or when new skills are acquired.
- There are 12 risk factors of dementia that can be modified to reduce the risk of dementia.
Busy Box. Better Brain. combines education & recreation to promote dementia prevention
Busy Box. Better Brain. takes an interesting approach to promote dementia prevention. A combination of engaging recreational and educational activities are provided to support the cognitive health of seniors.
Starting in summer 2023, seniors will have access to kits filled with items – iPads, tablets, hobby kits, magazines, board games, puzzles, and more – giving seniors the opportunity to acquire and use new skills, while socializing with other seniors. A great way to stay mentally alert!
With the help and guidance of animators and volunteers in the CHSSN Wellness Centres, seniors will learn new software applications, acquire new recreational skills of their choice, and be more informed about the specific ways in which they can reduce their risks of cognitive decline.
- The activity kits will be deployed quarterly over 12 months, starting in July 2023.
- Seniors 65 years and older must register to participate.
- Participants must commit to staying in the program for 12 months @ 2 hours/per month.
- Spaces are limited. Sign up early.
Involving community members will help reduce the stigma of cognitive decline
The participation of animators and volunteers will increase awareness of dementia prevention in the community and provide support to seniors as they take concrete actions to prevent dementia and slow cognitive decline.
We need animators to ensure that the program is deployed and that seniors are supported for the duration of the program. Ideally, one animator will be assigned to coordinate the Busy Box. Better Brain. program in each participating Wellness Centre.
- 1 animator assigned to 5 seniors
- Each month: 2 hours/senior or 10 hours/group of 5
- Mandatory orientation & training sessions
- $20/hour + travelling allowance 59 cents/km
- 12-month commitment
- Assist with distribution of educational material and questionnaires
- Provide feedback on the program
Animators are encouraged to recruit volunteers to support them in the supervision of activities and accompanying participants in the program.
The Busy Box. Better Brain. program was developed by Hope for Dementia and will be deployed in partnership with the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN). The program is funded by the Secretariat aux relations avec les Québecois d’expression anglaise (SQREA).
