Deborah Barker, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce, is retiring on July 31 after more than 22 years at the helm of the local society.

Barker was appointed Executive Director in 1994.

"Starting this work when the organization was still new allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow as the Society did," Barker said.

"With a staff of two there was a lot to do! We've now grown to 14 staff supporting about 1,000 registered clients each year, making connections with those clients more than 5,000 times in the past year."

Stephen Musehl of Chesley takes over as Executive Director on Aug. 1 Musehl has extensive experience with Community Living and Home and Community Support Services.

Barker has seen many changes over the years, from improvements in programs and services to important changes in society's attitude to dementia.

"When I started Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia carried a stigma that often discouraged individuals and families from talking about the disease or seeking support," she said.

"One of the most important changes has been greater awareness and understanding and a growing willingness to seek a diagnosis and become involved in our programs and services.

"Studies have shown that earlier involvement with the Alzheimer Society can help improve the quality of life for an affected individual throughout the progression of the disease, and can help maintain independence and keep loved ones in their own homes longer," she said.

Barker is proud that that the Alzheimer Society has been able to play a leadership role in the introduction and development of programs that make a real difference in the lives of those with dementia.

Grey-Bruce was one of the societies involved in piloting the introduction of the First Link program in Ontario. First Link, which is now the standard, is designed to connect individuals and their families and caregivers with our programming from the time of diagnosis.

"We were one of the first local societies in Ontario to become involved with Memory Clinics, and we now have family support counsellors at up to 14 Memory Clinics across Grey-Bruce every month," Barker said.

As well Alzheimer Grey-Bruce and five other local societies in Ontario led the introduction of Minds in Motion, a socialization program of physical and mentally stimulating activities.

"This has shown proven benefits for those with dementia and for their caregivers, "Barker said.

Grey-Bruce was also one of the first to offer an art therapy program and currently has a qualified art therapist among its support staff.

"And our newest innovative program is just beginning," Barker said. "We have received a New Horizons for Seniors grant to offer a photography program called Developing our Lives."

This project will allow individuals in the early stages of dementia and their care partners a way to engage with each other and the world through photography.

"I will certainly miss the many wonderful people I have worked with," Barker said.

"Over the years I have met some of the most amazing people including our clients with dementia, their care partners, our staff, many volunteers, our community partners and also the kind and generous donors who support our work."

There are many challenges ahead, Barker said, including growing our counselling and education staff and programs to meet the increasing number of clients needing service, and finding new office space to accommodate our growing needs.

"But there is reason to be optimistic and much to look forward to. After strong advocacy work across the province and the country we now have both an Ontario Dementia Strategy and a National Dementia Strategy. These will ultimately make a difference in the programs, services and funding across Canada and I am very optimistic that we will see that impact locally," she said.

"This role has been so satisfying and the work so rewarding. I look forward to watching the growth of services and to learn of the new ways that our clients will be supported.

"Thank you to all who have supported the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce; to our volunteers, to our staff and to our donors. It has been an honour."

source: media release, Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce