Companions to help Alzheimer's patients

The Alzheimer Society in Windsor has a new program to provide companionship for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia while giving their caregivers a break.

Three days a week, Tanya Basok brings her mother, Maya, to a day program at the Alzheimer Society. Basok works full time, so she must hire someone to care for Maya at home the other two days.

"In the evening, I run around like crazy," she said. "I'm a single mother of a 12-year-old boy."

Between driving her son to activities and ensuring her mother is looked after, Basok said she could use all the help she can get.

"I find I stretch myself so thin between my work, my son and my mother," she said. "But at least I can rely on some support, but if you can't afford it, what do you do? It becomes really difficult."

Next month, Basok will be able to find a little extra help through the volunteer companion program. Volunteers over the age of 18 will be sent to the homes of individuals with Alzheimer's.

Student volunteers

University of Windsor nursing student Lisa Chan helps out with the Alzheimer's Society's day program, and she has also volunteered to be a companion.

"Basically, I'll just provide friendship and socialize, similar to what I'm doing here at the day program," she said.

Nadine Manroe, who manages the client and volunteer programs at the Alzheimer Society, said that research shows socialization helps slow down the advancement of Alzheimer's disease.

"So having one of our volunteer companions come by and visit an individual with dementia will hopefully slow down the disease and provide them with companionship which will improve their quality of life and provide a break for the caregiver," said Manroe.

While Basok thinks those with the disease can benefit greatly from the companion program, she worried it won't provide enough relief for caregivers, especially those struggling financially, who often need more than a few hours of help.

"It's a great experience for students who are in disability studies or the geriatric project to spend time with someone who needs their support," she said. "I hope there will be such an overwhelming response that they'll be able to spend more than one or two hours per week."

Volunteerswill betrained by the society on how to communicate and care for people with dementia, and must submit to standard reference and police checks.

The society is hoping to attract families and volunteers from Windsor's various ethnic communities.