Current numbers suggest that over 40,000 people in Alberta suffer from some form of Dementia and the numbers will continue to grow. Given these alarming statistics, Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S will be well positioned to support this ever increasing population. This initiative will be focused on Calgary and surrounding area.
Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. will be hosted in the State-of the Art Seniors community, Fish Creek Manor Village overlooking Fish Creek Provincial Park. This facility will have both Independent and Assisted Living, in addition to specialized memory care neighborhoods and is anticipated to open in 2016. C.A.R.E.S. will provide much needed educational and research opportunities, as well as a dementia day support program offered to the public.
More specifically, from a Research lens we are very interested in understanding how diet, sleep and exercise play a role in someone’s ability to “fight” delay or arrest the onset of dementia symptoms or the pathological markers associated with the disease. C.A.R.E.S. will allow for the Grass Roots research findings to be shared with the Calgarians.
In light of the State of the Art Educational theatre at Fish Creek Manor Village we are keen to look at Educating the public on the various Research initiatives happening locally, Nationally or abroad. Furthermore, we are hoping to tie this into how can we ensure the local and surrounding community gleans a better understanding including, but not limited to where research is going, educating the public on prevention and health promotion in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and related Dementia’s, and what strategies we can employ to support caregiver’s and those impacted by this devastating Disease.
Additionally, Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. will have hold an innovative Adult Day Support Program to benefit the local community and the significant needs of caregivers. This core element will allow those persons caregiving to have some respite and participate in activities, without worrying about their loved one.
The endeavors at C.A.R.E.S. are generously supported through the auspices and fundraising of the annual Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Hockey Tournament and Luncheon. The Net Proceeds of the sponsors and partnerships will support the design and development of the Non-Profit C.A.R.E.S programs and services for Calgary and surrounding area.
In closing we believe that Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. will be seen as a local “ beacon” which will be recognized as supporting the local needs of those whom are impacted by this devastating disease.
