There's a new art-based program in Windsor to help people with dementia and their caregivers.
The Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County has launched "Creative Expressions" thanks to a $5,000 donation by Caesars Windsor Cares.
The program is held once a month at "Art Indeed Studio" on Langlois Ave. and people work with fabrics, dye, paint and chalk pastels to create a piece of art.
It's designed to socially engage and cognitively stimulate people with dementia.
Dena Peifer attends the program with her 68-year-old brother who has early stage dementia. She says the program makes a difference.
"I find him very stimulated after and more talkative and more interested in things happening around him."
Creative Expressions takes place at the Art Indeed Studio. (Photo by AM800's Teresinha Medeiros)
CEO of the local Alzheimer Society Sally Bennett-Olczak says it's not about the art that is created in the program.
"Often times people with dementia end up being socially isolated and their partners in care as well, that needn't happen," she says.
The program runs out in August and it's hoped new funding will be found to keep the program going.
It is estimated 7,480 people in Windsor and Essex County, aged 40 and above, have Alzheimer's disease or other-related dementia.