Gordon is a Guelph man diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He and his wife Diane are passionate about programs for them at the Alzheimer Society of Guelph – Wellington. Gordon is a member of one of the Peer Support Groups for Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease, a program that receives funding from the United Way.

Gordon and Diane are thankful for the support the United Way provides for the program, with Diane adding, “I’m so grateful that United Way supports the Peer Support Group Program because it is an outing for Gordon and I can relax because I know he is safe.”  Through this program, people with early stage Alzheimer’s or a related dementia meet regularly to share coping strategies and manage the feelings and changes this disease brings.

Gordon notes that “The support group is an opportunity for me to be with people like me. I feel comfortable there and we all learn from each other. The simplest thing that I do to make my life easier can make a difference to someone else. I bring humour to the group, so we all have a chance to have a big chuckle now and then. That’s important too.”

It wasn’t easy for Gordon to attend his first Peer Support Group, but now it is something he enjoys twice every month.

“Initially, Gordon didn’t want to go to the Peer Support Group but now he likes it and he looks forward to it,” comments Diane.  “We love the group and the group loves us.  Everyone who is involved with the Alzheimer Society is like family because you are with people who understand you.”

 “After my husband was diagnosed, our doctor suggested that we access services at the Alzheimer Society. At first I didn’t want to go. It took a while for me to make the initial phone call, but it was the best thing I could have done. I swear if we didn’t have the support group I would have pulled my hair out,” says Diane.

“The staff are so loving and caring,” she adds. “They go beyond the call of duty. They provide support in the office, on the phone, or at our house. They really look after their clients.”

Their experience with the Alzheimer Society has inspired the couple to give back as volunteers, helping with newsletters and refreshments at events. Diane and Gordon have also become great advocates for the work of the Alzheimer Society, advising others in similar situations to, “Go to the Alzheimer Society. Don’t wait, like we did, because they are there for you.”