Alzheimer’s disease care and support
As people age, a decline in thinking abilities and memory is expected, but when that decline is much faster than normal, the consequences can be devastating to those people and their loved ones. Such a sharp decline is known as dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent type of dementia in the elderly.*
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. offers a series of telephone workshops, including a session called Life After Diagnosis, that provide help and support to people diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, and to their families. (more…)
Leef Evans, an author and artist, experienced a severe bout of depression six years ago that resulted in hospitalization and the loss of apartment, car, and virtually all connection with family and friends.
Swami Maheshananda Saraswati is an eminent yoga teacher who has devoted nearly two decades to learning and teaching the philosophical and practical aspects of Yoga and Tantra.
Local frontline services are under increasing demand or are experiencing specific challenges. We’ve convened a frontline services roundtable to explore and update recent events ranging from the reported closing of a Salvation Army lunch program to reports that VIHA will be unable to fund support programs at the Balmoral Hotel building redevelopment. 
A Nanaimo-based organization has been working to reduce the stigma and prejudice surrounding people with mental health issues. Open Minds Open Windows Society provides a range of supportive services to people with mental health issues, including the Beautiful Minds Choir (pictured above, from a MySpace page).
Concurrent disorders—the combination of a mental illness and substance use disorder—are much more widespread than many people realize. It is generally estimated that around half of people with an addiction or mental illness will also have the other. People with concurrent disorders often fall through the cracks of the health care system. [Source: BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information] 