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www.oakvillebeaver.com Living Oakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 23, 2008 - 11 Phone: 905-845-3824, ext. 248 Fax: 905-337-5567 e-mail: angela@oakvillebeaver.com Tackling Alzheimer's takes teamwork By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF J oe Thompson was so taken with a girl he met by the name of Georgina, who used to enter rock-n-roll dance competitions, he asked her to marry him -- 45 years ago. Today, at 66, the couple with the distinct Irish brogue is learning to cope with the fact that Georgina has Alzheimer disease. Joe takes Georgina to Sheridan College every Thursday. It's not a date, like in their younger years, but a visit to the Sheridan Elder Research Centre "Sometimes when Gina (SERC) and is sleeping in another its Senior room, I just let go. You D a y Program, a have to do that because wheelchairif you don't, it will just accessible, wreck you." secure program, Joe Thompson, which prohusband/caregiver vides specialized therapeutic social and recreational activities for people with Alzheimer disease and related disorders. It's also a day he can get some business done. "This is my day when I do the groceries, banking and stuff," said Joe. If he's efficient, he even has time to stop by the legion and chat with the guys. Georgina said she looks forward to the program, but Joe said she often doesn't stay for the full day -- it operates 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. She chats with other seniors, has tea, works on crafts, plays games -- and even dances sometimes at which point someone invariably says to her, `You've got some good moves.' Every Monday afternoon, someone from Acclaim Health (formerly Victorian Order of Nurses (VON)) visits at their Oakville apartment and spends time with Georgina so Joe gets another few hours to himself. Every other Monday afternoon, he attends an Acclaim support group for the caregivers of those with Alzheimer's. The group meets at a local church and afterward, if Joe can, he squeezes in another visit LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER TEAM FOR LIFE: Georgina and Joe Thompson are, after 45 years of marriage, tackling Georgina's Alzheimer's together. with his buddies at the legion. "At first I found it very awkward to open up," admitted Joe of the support group participation. "When I first started, sometimes I was sitting there and saying to myself, `I'm just not going to talk about this because I won't hold up,'" he recalled. That has changed since he realized it's one of the few places he can open up about what goes on in his life -- and where he get tips on coping from others in the same situation. "Sometimes when Gina is sleeping in another room, I just let go. You have to do that because if you don't, it will just wreck you," said See Alzheimer's page 12 I'm Still Here goes on stage for Alzheimer's month I'm Still Here will be staged at Maple Grove United Church on Sunday, Jan. 27 to recognize January as Alzheimer awareness month. The play will take the stage at 7 p.m. at the church located at 346 Maple Grove Dr. It will be presented thanks to the Outreach Committee of the church, along with the Alzheimer's Society of Hamilton and Halton. The event will be an open evening to introduce people to the considerations and reality of those who are caregivers to family and friends suffering from Alzheimer Disease. This research-based play had its live debut in 2004 and continues to play to great acclaim. I'm Still Here is based on findings from research conducted with people living with Alzheimer disease and related dementias and daughters whose mothers were diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease. I'm Still Here will enhance understanding about what it is like to live with Alzheimer disease and dementia as well as what it is like to be a caregiver. The performance will be followed by a question and answer session. Call 905-845-5721. Donations will be accepted. Newly adjusted pricing that helps you take advantage of the strong Canadian Dollar PLUS We pay the freight up to $1,350 On select models. See dealer for details. 175 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville 905.845.6653 Between Kerr & Dorval www.lockwoodchrysler.com