Alzheimer Society recognizes care partners, volunteers

Lynn Loftus, along with Fred Foster and Lew Robinson, honoured at luncheon

A P.E.I. woman has been recognized for her work with those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Lynn Loftus received the Dementia Friends Leadership Award during the society’s 18th annual luncheon in Charlottetown recently.

The award, established in 2002, recognizes a person or organization who exemplifies excellence in person-centered care while promoting programs and services for all those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Loftus has been involved as a volunteer for the society for almost 30 years and has served on the board of directors in a variety of roles.

After living the journey of Alzheimer’s disease with both her mother and father, Loftus was no stranger to the condition and quickly became an invaluable part of the team.

In March 2018, Loftus received her own diagnosis of dementia at the age of 71.

Since then, she has become a strong advocate for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, sharing her message at several events, which can be summed up as, “I’m Still Me”.

The Ferne Stevenson Caregiver Award was also presented at the luncheon to Fred Foster and Lew Robinson.

This award recognizes a caregiver who exemplifies compassion in person-centred care while promoting programs and services for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

When the Alzheimer Society reached out to the community of RCMP Veterans Association seeking support for a former comrade living with dementia and his wife, Foster and Robinson answered the call.

They have also acted as a support to many other RCMP veterans, taking part in monthly lunch meetings and weekly coffee dates.

They frequently offer drives to those in need and act as a key resource to connect others with information about dementia and financial benefits available to them.

SUBMITTED Brian MacPherson congratulates his wife, Lynn Loftus, recipient of the Dementia Friends Leadership Award, at the Alzheimer Society of P.E.I.’s recent Dementia Friends Leadership Luncheon. Loftus was recognized for her 30 years of volunteer service with the society and continuous advocacy as a person living with dementia.

SUBMITTED Heather Oland joins, left, Fred Foster and Lew Robinson, recipients of the Ferne Stevenson Caregiver Award, at the Alzheimer Society of P.E.I.’s recent Dementia Friends Leadership Luncheon. Oland completed the caregiver nomination as the wife and care partner of their companion, Ian Oland.