Imagine a loved one slipping away, their memories fading like footprints in the sand. This is the heartbreaking reality for over 62,000 Albertans living with dementia, a number poised to surge in the coming decades. But here's where it gets controversial: while end-of-life care is crucial, what about the years leading up to it? A groundbreaking new program, Living Well with Grief and Loss, funded by the Alberta government, dares to challenge the status quo by integrating a palliative approach from diagnosis onward, focusing on quality of life, connection, and finding meaning in every moment.
This isn't your typical dementia support program. It tackles the often-overlooked emotional toll of dementia, not just for those diagnosed, but for their care partners too. And this is the part most people miss: grief isn't a linear process; it's a rollercoaster. Marie Muggeridge, Mindfulness Programs Specialist, aptly describes it as “ebbing and flowing like an ocean wave.”
Living Well with Grief and Loss offers a lifeline through:
- Community-building grief support groups, combating the isolating nature of dementia.
- Tailored individual grief counseling that understands the unique challenges of the dementia journey.
- Mindfulness-based therapy, equipping individuals with tools to process loss and cultivate resilience.
“Mindfulness anchors us in the present,” explains Muggeridge, “even when the weight of loss feels overwhelming. It helps those living with dementia and their care partners find presence, connection, and meaning in the everyday.”
Available across Alberta, with resources accessible online and through personalized intake, this program is a beacon of hope. But is it enough? While initiatives like these are crucial, the question remains: are we doing enough to address the growing dementia crisis?
To delve deeper, the program is hosting a free virtual webinar, The Art of Being Present, on December 3, 2025, from 7-8 p.m. MST. Led by Muggeridge, this interactive session will explore mindfulness practices, meditation techniques, and art-making as tools for staying grounded in the present. Open to anyone affected by dementia, participants are encouraged to bring art supplies for a hands-on experience.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a society that often prioritizes physical health, are we neglecting the emotional and spiritual needs of those living with dementia and their caregivers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more information or to register for the webinar, visit www.HelpForDementia.ca/Living-Well.
