New spot in Kitchener, Ont. helps younger adults with dementia make connections

CTV’s Heather Senoran goes inside a Kitchener facility that is giving people living with early onset dementia a chance to feel accepted and find their community

The Sunshine Lounge is a special place inside Sunnyside Home Long Term Care in Kitchener, Ont.

The space opened last fall and offers a place where adults under the age of 65 who are living with dementia can meet other people who are going through a similar journey.

Sunshine Lounge members are all from Sunnyside’s Young Onset Dementia Association (YODA) program that was started by the Region of Waterloo in 2014.

“We have up to 12 people served in this program every day,” Julie Wheeler, Sunnyside Home Long Term Care’s director of seniors’ services, explained. “The program is actually currently waitlisted. And we have a number of people who are waiting to join this program.”

Sunshine Lounge was made possible after a donation from the Sunnyside Foundation and Sunnyside Gift Shop.

Member Garth Benham called it “his happy place.”

“I’m able to get on keyboard over there and goof off a bit because I like to play piano,” Benham said.

He’s been playing piano since he was a child and he can still play like a pro. It is all muscle memory for him now, but some of his other memories are fading due to his dementia.

“All of a sudden, out of the blue, I just didn’t know where I was or who I was. And it only happened for about ten [or] 15 seconds. But it was the most horrifying experience,” Benham said.

Benham said he now comes to the lounge twice a week to feel more at ease.

“A chance to feel alive instead of hanging around in my bedroom or living room watching shows over and over again,” he said.

From playing the piano, to listening to music or playing darts, members are happy to meet others who understand what it is like living with dementia.

“It’s a warm atmosphere and everybody is on different levels in here. But we all are equal when we come here,” said member John Justason.

Some members said it takes the pressure off in social situations and they can let their guard down.

“You don’t have to worry about doing or saying something wrong. You don’t have to worry about forgetting words that you’re trying to get out. There’s no expectation from anyone,” said Greg Dent, another member.

Members don’t only enjoy the one space. They also go off-site.

“Learning new skills. Going to new locations that maybe you didn’t know was around [Waterloo Region]. We do a lot of outings,” Jenn Walker, a family support coordinator, said.

As for Benham, he said it’s a lifesaver and provides the challenges he needs to thrive.

“Which is the most important thing with dementia, to keep your mind active so that you are able to hang on. You don’t want to just drift off,” Benham said.

To learn more about this program or other dementia services the Region of Waterloo offers, go online.