Like many residents of South Delta, Krista Frazee's world has been touched by Alzheimer's disease.
Her exposure to the impact of dementia began in her late teens and early 20s when both of her grandparents were living with vascular dementia.
It was an experience that shaped Frazee's career, and also her life.
"I had a very close relationship with my grandmother, who, throughout her journey with dementia, inspired me to learn more about the disease and how to help caregivers like myself," she said.
That inspiration led Frazee to pursue her passion full-time. She enrolled in university, volunteered for the non-profit Alzheimer Society, first in Nova Scotia and then in B.C., and worked in the field of seniors support services.
It also led her to where she is today: the newly-appointed support and education co-ordinator for Richmond-South Delta for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
"My passion for learning and supporting people with dementia and caregivers is still as strong as it was back in my early years," said Frazee.
She now provides a variety of dementia education workshops to caregivers, health care providers and the public; coordinates and facilitates support groups for caregivers and persons in early stages of dementia or memory loss; and raises awareness about the society, its programs and services.
And, coming full circle, she also finds herself co-ordinating and mentoring volunteers - the people filling the same vital roles she once did.
"I thrive on being able to make a positive difference in people's lives.
"I look forward to continuing to support caregivers and persons with dementia along their journey, emphasizing personhood, the importance of self-care and trying to embrace the positive aspects of the journey."
Frazee holds a master's degree in gerontology from Simon Fraser University, where she focused her research on the quality of life in dementia special care units.
The work, and her own experience, leaves her determined to advocate for the families coping with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, which now affect approximately one of every 11 Canadians over the age of 65.
"Through talking about personhood and educating people about the brain and about the disease of dementia - and how that can be separated from the person within - I hope to help change the way people think about, understand and cope with dementia."
Frazee knows her mission will be an arduous one, but drawing on the motivation from her own family's experience, she welcomes the challenge.
"I'm grateful that my grandmother inspired me in her own special way, which catapulted me into a career that I love."
Richmond-South Delta families can contact Frazee at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s Richmond Resource Centre, 305-6411 Buswell St., by calling 604-238-7390 or emailing [email protected].
For more information on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, visit the society's website at www.alzheimerbc.org.
