Over 1,000 local seniors will be able to take part in the Minds in Motion Program over the next three years.
The Alzheimer Societies in Huron, Perth, and Grey-Bruce will share a $385,400 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant.
Minds in Motion is a two-hour, eight-week community-based program for people with dementia and their care partners that combines physical activity and mental stimulation.
During the pilot in 2014 and 2015, Minds in Motion programs were offered in Clinton, Goderich, Grand Bend, Wingham, Hanover, Owen Sound, Stratford, and Listowel.
Trillium Foundation funding will allow the three societies to increase the number of programs to a total of 27 eight-week sessions each year. The goal is to involve over one thousand individuals.
The program offers gentle and easy to follow physical activities and fun social activities for people with dementia.
In today's news release, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson stated, "Alzheimer’s is a painful disease that takes a toll on all involved: patients, friends and family. It is encouraging to see the work of the Grey-Bruce, Huron and Perth Alzheimer’s Societies recognized, and I look forward to seeing the good that will come from this grant in expanding the Minds in Motion program."
"Early on in the pilot program we saw the value of Minds in Motion for person’s with dementia and for their care partners," says Cathy Ritsema, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. "We are thrilled that we will continue to be able to offer this program for the next three years."
