Did you know that every 20 minutes in Canada someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another neurocognitive disease? In Laval, there are currently 8000 individuals affected by Alzheimer’s. In addition to these 8000 individuals, it’s important to take into account their caregivers and other loved ones who are also indirectly affected. The Alzheimer Society Laval aims to support those in need as they are faced with various challenges.

Services Offered by the Alzheimer Society Laval
The Alzheimer Society Laval was founded by Jean Rizzuto and his team of volunteers on May 23rd, 1995. The non-profit organization will be celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this May. “Our mission is to support and accompany those affected by neurocognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, which is the most widespread,” says Lise Lalande, who has been the Executive Director General of Alzheimer Society Laval for the past 10 years. “Our services range from our telephone help line to providing a permanent residence. We offer consultation services at home or at the office, in-home or on-site respite programs, workshops for caregivers, support groups for those with Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers, conferences, professional training, etc.,” adds Lalande. “We also spread awareness, so ultimately, we offer a continuum of services to respond to the needs of the Laval community.”

It’s difficult to estimate precisely how many people have benefited from the services on a yearly basis, but according to Lalande, 3335 people used their services in 2019. The majority of the requests come from caregivers, as they are often the ones in need of support in order to keep their loved ones at home as long as possible. Last year, Alzheimer Society Laval provided 76 098 hours of respite to caregivers. “Respite helps to prevent caregiver’s exhaustion and allows the individual with Alzheimer’s to engage in stimulating activities,” says Lalande. “Through workshops, family members and loved ones receive the help they need to be better equipped with supporting an individual with a neurocognitive disease.”

In order to provide these services, there are 57 employees working for the Alzheimer Society Laval as well as an average of 15 regular volunteers who provide day-to-day support.

The Walk for Alzheimer’s 2020
The Annual Walk for Alzheimer’s is taking place Saturday, May 23rd. As usual, two tracks will be offered to participants; a 2 km and a 5 km. For the first time this year, the event will take place at Centre de la nature. “We are so pleased to offer participants such a nice venue,” says Lalande. “We will also be celebrating our 25th anniversary on the same day.”

The walk will begin at 10 am but event staff will be on site as of 8 am to welcome participants. Lalande says she is expecting approximately 350 walkers. “For us, the walk is particularly symbolic because it represents solidarity between individuals with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, their families and the community at large, regardless of age,” she says. The event is also an opportunity to fundraise—40 percent of the Alzheimer Society Laval’s budget is self-funded.

“Our annual budget is 1.8 million dollars, so 40 percent of that is a huge amount to raise,” explains Lalande. “In addition to the walk, we also organise the Pédal’don, two days of biking on the P’tit Train du Nord circuit in August, as well as a Soirée Découvertes gastronomiques in November, where participants travel in a limo and discover four gourmet restaurants.”

Alzheimer Society Laval’s Goals
When it comes to future goals for the non-profit organization, Lalande says the main goal is always fundraising. “We need funds to continue to offer services of the highest quality to the Alzheimer’s patients and their families. Without fundraising, we would only be able to offer 60 per cent of our current services,” she explains. “That’s why we must continue to fundraise.”

As previously mentioned, every 20 minutes someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related neurocognitive disease in Canada. We or a loved one are likely to be affected in the near or distant future. To learn more about the Alzheimer Society Laval’s services or make a donation, visit www.alzheimerlaval.org.