Did you know that every 20 minutes someone in Canada is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a neurocognitive disease? Société Alzheimer Laval and its newest Director General, Louise Sutterlin, strive to support all those in need.

A variety of services
Just in Laval alone, there are 8000 individuals living with neurocognitive disorders. Along with these individuals are their families, friends and caregivers who are also indirectly affected. Société Alzheimer Laval, a non-profit organization, has just celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, and their mission has remained the same; to support and accompany those affected by a neurocognitive disease such as Alzheimer’s, which is the most common form.

Having just taken her post as Director General of Société Alzheimer Laval a few weeks ago, Sutterlin places a large importance on human values; respect, sharing, keeping an open mind, community-minded support – these are all values that are also dear to Société Alzheimer Laval. Sutterlin has more than 25 years of business development experience and grew up in a family involved in entrepreneurship and politics. In 2008, her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, so she quit her job to become her mother’s caregiver.

She soon went down a new career path and began exploring community and social work while volunteering at Société Alzheimer Laval. Armed with strong leadership skills and a passion for her work, she quickly grew and evolved in her new field, and her current role is a natural progression of that path.

The services offered at Société Alzheimer Laval are aimed at Laval residents and their caregivers. The organization strives to be there for them, to inform and direct them towards appropriate resources and support. Société Alzheimer Laval also aims to sensitize and educate the Laval population along with the professionals and caregivers that work with those living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness, Sutterlin and her team work to improve the quality of life of those affected by neurocognitive disorders.

Services range from the telephone help line to permanent lodging. There are consultation services at home or at work, respite programs at home or on site, training workshops for caregivers, free conferences, support groups for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, professional training, etc. In short, Société Alzheimer Laval leaves no stone unturned when it comes to supporting the Laval population.

Sutterlin points out that their approach is one that comes from a humanitarian and individualized perspective. This approach proposes to look at the person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, not as the sum of his/her deficits and losses, but as a whole person with a history, with strengths and resources, who maintains a loving bond with his/her entourage and for whom life is an opportunity for continuous stimulation. “The activities and interventions offered are based upon the capacity and needs of the individual affected in order to promote a better quality of life, along with support resources to improve their overall well-being,” she says. “We will do a number of activities to [cognitively] stimulate the individual and maintain their improvement. Obviously, the improvements vary from one individual to another, and that’s why our approach is personalized.”

Ready to support you, no matter your needs
Over the past few months, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Société Alzheimer Laval has not lessened their efforts, but it made it much more challenging. The confinement period had a large impact on those living with by a neurocognitive disease such as Alzheimer’s, . There were not able to socialize, which was one of the main ways that stimulates their progress. It was also a challenging time for caregivers who were unable to access respite services, and this impacted their physical and mental health. “It’s now more important than ever that people call upon our services,” says Sutterlin. “No matter what questions you have or what your needs are, nobody should have to live with this situation alone. Don’t hesitate to call us.”

Forty percent of Société Alzheimer Laval’s budget comes from self-financing activities. “Our annual budget is 1.8 million; 40 percent of that is a large amount to have to fundraise for. With the pandemic situation ongoing, fundraising events that we typically organize have been cancelled,” explains Sutterlin. “That said, without fundraising, we can only offer 60 per cent of our services, so we have to continue to seek out donations. We want to be able to help even more individuals and their caregivers with support and respite.” Financial support from Lavallers is essential to the continuity of Société Alzheimer Laval’s services. The organization also has plenty of opportunities for volunteer work.

Despite the challenges the pandemic has brought forward, Sutterlin reiterates her message to citizens of Laval. “Don’t hesitate to visit us, whether it’s simply for information, to help answer your questions or to access services,” she says. “We’re there for you and we can help. I want to thank all Lavallers who support us in our very important mission.”

As said before, someone in Canada is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another neurocognitive disorder every 20 minutes. It’s very likely that this will affect you or someone in your entourage in the near or distance future. To learn more about Société Alzheimer Laval, the services offered, or to make a donation or volunteer, visit the web site at alzheimerlaval.org.