If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, you have probably been told not to forget to take care of yourself. The analogy of the oxygen mask on the airplane is often used to explain the importance of self-care. You can’t help someone put their mask on if you’ve already passed out.
Proper self-care means not neglecting your health or well being. Taking the time to exercise, eat healthy, manage stress and maintain social connections is very important. You know this is true but finding the time is not as easy. It is hard to take time for yourself when someone you love needs you.
We can help!
Oakville Naturopathic Wellness Centre now offers Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for individuals with mild to moderate dementia. We use a CST program called Fit Minds® which begins with light stretching and includes mental exercises to stimulate different areas of the brain. Unlike a computerized brain training program, Fit Minds is delivered by a real live person who can interact and encourage your loved one, just like you do. Research involving groups has shown that CST improves cognition and quality of life when used regularly¹‚². And since it’s offered at our wellness centre, it means that you don’t have to choose between caring for yourself or your loved one. You can book a massage, exercise, learn how to prepare healthier meals, address that nagging pain in your back or sit and have a consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor while your loved one exercises their brain.
Our CST practitioner is a certified Fit Minds coach and a Gerontology Activation professional who has designed and run recreation programs for individuals with a range of cognitive abilities.
Come see for yourself!
We would love to explain the merits of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and provide a demonstration of the Fit Minds program. If you are interested in learning more, please call us to schedule a free 15-minute consultation or register to attend a complimentary group session on Wednesday November 28 at 12:30 p.m. or Saturday December 1 at 10:30 a.m. Please call the centre to register or drop in! Both group sessions will run for 45-60min.
This blog has been brought to you by Joanne Spiller who is a Gerontology Activation Professional and a Fit Minds® Certified Coach at Oakville Naturopathic Wellness Centre. To book an appointment with Joanne or learn more, please call 905-825-9996 or visit our online booking at https://smartnd.ca/online-booking/1887
¹ www.cstdementia.com/page/the-evidence-base
² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5045017/