Alzheimer’s Society Has A New Face In The Frontenacs

Feb 14, 2013

Caitlin Norwich-Stevenson has taken over as the new public education coordinator for the Alzheimer's Society of Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington and she is looking forward to serving individuals and families in North, Central and South Frontenac. The society currently has an office in Sharbot Lake in the Seniors’ Centre, which has been used as the base for serving individuals and families in the community.

Caitlin takes over the position from outgoing public education coordinator Bob Fisher, who will continue to serve the society on a part-time basis in Napanee.

Caitlin, who hails from Smithville, ON, a small town in the Niagara region, currently lives with her husband in Seeley's Bay. She is a recent graduate from the three-year Behavioral Sciences Technology program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, where she graduated in 2012. In her new role Caitlin will be in charge of public education for all of Kingston and the Frontenacs. She will be supporting individuals and families who have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia on a one-on-one/as needed basis and will also be providing information to individuals and families about how they can access services in the community.

Caitlin spoke of the challenges she will be facing in an effort to get the word out about the supports available to those in need. “It can be tough, especially in rural communities where people are so spread out, to make known the various services and supports that are available to them. One of the ways that I will be addressing that issue is by networking with various church groups, volunteer groups, long-term care facilities and other community organizations. We [the Alzheimer’s Society] will also be hosting various public education and public awareness events in the rural areas to let people know exactly what services and supports are available to them.”

Caitlin is currently in the process of planning a public awareness event that will take place in Sharbot Lake in the spring. Asked why she decided to get involved in this particular line of work, she explained, “I understand the increasing need for people working in this field as the population ages. And I also understand how Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are not diseases that just affect the individuals diagnosed but also their families and friends. I want to be there to support everyone involved when they are faced with the various challenges that come up.”

Asked about other challenges that face her in her new role as public educator she said, “The biggest challenge by far is the stigma attached to these diseases. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are so largely not understood and people always have a tendency to fear what they do not understand. This lack of understanding is largely what prevents people from getting the help they need and as a result, unfortunately many individuals and families can tend to become very isolated.” Caitlin also wanted to stress the fact that she is hoping to help not just individuals who have been diagnosed and their families but also anyone who may have any questions at all about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. She also advised individuals or families wanting more information about symptoms and signs to reach out to the Society but also to speak with their family physician. Caitlin said she is happy to answer any questions people may have. She can be reached at her Kingston office at 613-544-3078.