Action on Alzheimer's & Dementia was founded as Registered Charity in 2012 (#929) by our President Elizabeth Stewart whose mother lived with Alzheimer’s disease from 2004-2012 and had been diagnosed at the age of 67. At that time, there was little information available in the community and very little support for the person with dementia and their family after a diagnosis. Elizabeth's goal was to make sure that no other family living with Alzheimer’s disease would have to go through the journey alone and AAD was created to be that resource for families in their time of need.
AAD works to advocate for those living with dementia in Bermuda; increase general public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia's; and forge links between the public, medical community, care homes, and government.
We also works in practical ways to help those with dementia by:
- supporting dementia-specific training for employees in healthcare settings
- providing resources, emotional support and financial assistance to people living with dementia (medications, respite care, medical equipment)
- identifying and helping people with dementia who are living alone with no caregiver or advocates
- hosting monthly support-group meetings
- providing occupational therapy services, including safety assessments and care planning through Marie Fay of Motivate
- Organizing and funding weekly activities in the community, including art, music therapy and games.
AAD has also worked with professional caregivers and dementia-care settings to provide them with additional training and education to elevate the level of care they provide on a daily basis. AAD through the Dementia Training Company UK, has trained and educated more than 250 individuals including formal and informal caregivers, first response organizations (Police & Fire) and staff of King Edward Hospital.
