Education Opportunities
We offer various learning opportunities to help families and friends continue to enhance their knowledge of dementia. These sessions will be hosted by an Alzheimer Society staff member either in-person or online.
How To Access Our Virtual Education Sessions
If you would like to participate in our on-line programs, please:
- Use a computer, tablet or iPad to install Zoom (download instructions):
- On a computer, go to https://zoom.us/ and download and install the platform. (Top right corner, it’s safe, easy and free! May take about 5 minutes.)
- On an iPad, go to the App Store and install "Zoom Cloud Meetings".
- On a tablet, go to the Google Play Store and install "Zoom Cloud Meetings".
- Choose any online educational opportunity from the list below and click "Click here to register"
- You will be sent a confirmation email with the instructions for accessing your session.
- If you have questions about the Zoom platform, please email Sarah Cook ([email protected]) for more detailed instructions.
To watch our past online sessions, please check out our Video Resources page.
Upcoming Virtual Education Sessions
MAY VIRTUAL EDUCATION SESSIONS
You can view the list of upcoming sessions below, however if you would like to see our February Virtual Education Sessions all in one spot, click here to download our poster.
Visual & Perceptual Changes in the Brain
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:30 - 11:30 am
This presentation is about understanding visual and perceptual changes that can happen when a person has dementia. As dementia continues to progress, sensory and perceptual abilities can be affected as well as peripheral vision, depth perception and colour perception. This presentation addresses how these changes impact the person living with dementia’s ability to safely and effectively navigate their environment, and provides strategies to address and adapt to these visual and perceptual changes.
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia.
Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrcOqtpzIiHtyrp59CcPFMeZm2AxkqQb4L
Driving and Dementia
Monday, May 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Over time, dementia may cause changes that affect a person’s ability to safely drive a motor vehicle. However, a dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean that a person is incapable of driving. Some people may be capable of driving safely for some time after the diagnosis, depending on the timing of the diagnosis and how quickly dementia progresses. In this session we will explore ways to continue driving safely, some of the warning signs that it may be time to stop driving, and tips for transitioning to life without driving.
Who should attend: People living with dementia and their care partners
Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvdeqhpzosHdKPWrgr7Nuyglfy6BNr3hRF
JUNE VIRTUAL EDUCATION SESSIONS
You can view the list of upcoming sessions below, however if you would like to see our February Virtual Education Sessions all in one spot, click here to download our poster.
Dementia, Intimacy & Sexuality
Monday, June 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm
All of us, including people with dementia, have needs and wishes for friendship, belonging, companionship, intimacy, and the expression of our sexuality. We are often not comfortable talking about these reactions with others when we need to, or when they need to. In this presentation we will start the conversation about how changes brought on by dementia can affect intimate needs and relationships.
Who Should Attend: people living with dementia and their care partners
Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtc-urqzwiGtwHPUcnt7KyHStu34EtafQp
Positive Visits
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:30 - 11:30 am
Visiting a person living with dementia can sometimes feel daunting, especially when we may be uncertain about how their changing abilities or communication difficulties may impact on the success and overall enjoyment of the visit. This presentation introduces a “person-centred” approach to visits, including specific tips and considerations to help ensure a positive interaction.
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of persons living with dementia
Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdO6oqzwtE9dN5v04nIJa5czg65A58qs4
If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Education Team:
Shelby Barrie - Client Education Coordinator
Kris Van Luven - Education Coordinator
Sarah Cook - Education Program Manager
Phone: (705) 748-5131 or 1-800-561-2588. Please leave a voicemail at ext. 222.
We encourage you to visit the Video Resources section of our website to view recordings of our past Zoom education sessions!
Upcoming In-Person Education Opportunities
MAY SESSIONS
Enabling EDIE - A Virtual Reality Workshop for Care Partners
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1:00 - 4:00 pm - Lindsay
The Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a free 3-hour workshop designed for care partners and family members of people living with dementia. This immersive experience enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia using high-quality virtual reality technology.
The workshop enhances your knowledge of dementia while exploring helpful strategies to support the person to live well and more confidently with dementia.
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
Creating a Back-Up Plan for Care Workshop
Monday, May 13, 2024 at 1:30 - 3:00 pm - Cobourg
Caring for a person with dementia can be challenging. In addition to the day-to-day responsibilities, many caregivers struggle with the fear of what would happen if they unexpectedly became ill or unable to provide care. Although we can’t predict the future, doing some planning in advance can help you feel prepared and lower your stress level. This workshop will provide you with ideas and tools to begin creating your back-up plan for care.
Who Should Attend: Care partners and family members of those living with dementia
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
JUNE SESSIONS
Enabling EDIE - A Virtual Reality Workshop for Care Partners
Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 12:30 - 3:30 pm - Cobourg
The Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a free 3-hour workshop designed for care partners and family members of people living with dementia. This immersive experience enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia using high-quality virtual reality technology.
The workshop enhances your knowledge of dementia while exploring helpful strategies to support the person to live well and more confidently with dementia.
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
Applying to Long-Term Care
Monday, June 17, 2024 at 10:00 – 11:30 am - Cobourg
This education session is designed to help care partners understand the process of applying to long-term care. The process of applying to long-term care can seem overwhelming. Our goal with this session is to walk you through the steps, allowing you time to consider your situation and ask your questions.
Who Should Attend: Care partners who want to know more about applying to long-term care.
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
Understanding Ambiguous Loss & Grief
Monday, June 24, 2024 at 1:00 – 3:00 pm - Haliburton
Ambiguous Loss is a type of loss you experience when a person with dementia is physically here but may not be mentally or emotionally present in the same way as before. Ambiguous loss is very different from the loss and grief of sudden death. It complicates grief, often making it hard to recognize or know how to grieve when the abilities of the person with dementia have changed. Please join us to learn about steps you can take to live positively with your losses and grief while caring for someone with dementia.
Who Should Attend: care partners, family and friends supporting persons living with dementia
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
Enabling EDIE - A Virtual Reality Workshop for Care Partners
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 1:00 - 4:00 pm - Lindsay
The Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a free 3-hour workshop designed for care partners and family members of people living with dementia. This immersive experience enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia using high-quality virtual reality technology.
The workshop enhances your knowledge of dementia while exploring helpful strategies to support the person to live well and more confidently with dementia.
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Education Team:
Shelby Barrie - Client Education Coordinator
Kris Van Luven - Education Coordinator
Sarah Cook - Education Program Manager
Phone: (705) 748-5131 or 1-800-561-2588. Please leave a voicemail at ext. 222.
Upcoming Virtual First Link® Learning Series
There are no virtual learning series happening at this time. Please check back for future virtual learning series offerings.
Upcoming In-Person First Link® Learning Series
First Steps
Wednesdays - April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2024 (May 22 is a back-up date if needed) at 12:30 – 3:30 pm
First Steps is a four-week learning series that provides an overview of the dementia journey and will help you better understand the changes you are experiencing. Research has shown that when people learn about dementia early in the illness, they manage better. At this series, you will learn about types of dementia and how changes in the brain affect day-to-day functioning. You will also identify coping strategies and begin to plan for the future.
Who Should Attend: Persons in the early stages of dementia; family members or friends.
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
Care Essentials
Wednesdays - May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2024 (June 26 is a back-up date if needed) at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Participants will learn about the link between brain changes and behaviour, problem solving strategies, new approaches for communication, and how to best support daily activities. Participants will also learn about other resources to support them in their role as a care partner.
Who Should Attend: Family members and care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are invited to attend this learning series.
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
Applying to Long-Term Care
Monday, June 17, 2024 at 10:00 – 11:30 am
This education session is designed to help care partners understand the process of applying to long-term care. The process of applying to long-term care can seem overwhelming. Our goal with this session is to walk you through the steps, allowing you time to consider your situation and ask your questions.
Who Should Attend: Care partners who want to know more about applying to long-term care.
This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.
Virtual Reality – Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE)
Delivered in-person to your team or group, the Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a 3-hour workshop that enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia using high-quality virtual reality technology.
The workshop enhances your knowledge of dementia while exploring helpful strategies to support people to live well and more confidently with dementia.
Your organization’s staff or volunteers gain valuable insight into what it is like to live with dementia, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. Workshop participants enhance their skills and build their confidence to improve service provision to clients, customers or patients living with dementia.
Workshop Objectives:
- Experience the environment through the perspective of a person living with dementia
- Identify support needs in partnership with the person living with dementia and their care partner(s)
- Develop support strategies that focus on enabling a person to live more confidently with dementia
Fee Information:
- Group Rate (15 Participants) $1500.00 ($100 per person)
- Not-for-Profit Rate (15 Participants) $1200.00 ($80.00 per person)
* Please note: At this time, we can only facilitate EDIE workshops that take place within our Society’s catchment area (within Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton Counties in Ontario, Canada).
For more information, or if you are interested in registering for Enabling EDIE workshops for your workplace, group or organization, please submit your details here. We will contact you to answer your questions, organize a training session, or to help you determine if this workshop is right for your group.
Video Resources
To watch our past online sessions, please check out our Video Resources page.