St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation launches fundraiser for dementia patients

St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation is getting some help in raising money for a program for patients with middle to late-stage dementia.

The Hamilton hospital has partnered with Home Instead Senior Care Foundation of Canada on a 65-hour crowdfunding platform called GIVE65.

Money raised will go to the Creative Expressions program at St. Peter’s, which provides a unique opportunity for patients with middle to late-stage dementia, as well as their caregivers, to create and experience art.

The initiative is led by therapeutic recreationists from the Behavioural Health Unit and enables patients to express themselves and bond with their caregivers.

All proceeds will be allocated to the Creative Expressions program and will support initiatives such as the purchase of art supplies and funding visits from art enthusiasts and experts, who will lead art sessions at St. Peter’s Hospital.

Up to $5,000 raised between July 10 and July 13 may be eligible to be matched by Home Instead Senior Care Foundation. Additional grants may be awarded based on the total amount raised and the number of donors to the campaign.

According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, there are over half a million Canadians living with dementia and about 25,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. By 2031, the organization says, that number is expected to rise to 937,000, an increase of 66 per cent. The group says as of 2016, the combined healthcare system and out-of-pocket caregiver costs are estimated at $10.4 billion per year.