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
FEBRUARY 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.
Enhancing Communication
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 10:00 am
This education session will help care partners, family and friends supporting persons with dementia to identify and understand changes in communication that often result from brain changes. Participants will learn tips and strategies for making communication more successful.
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia
Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIld-qhqj4jEtP3rBP1KVtSpRYamfRafSJl
Understanding Behaviour Changes
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can impact the brain in many ways. As a result of brain changes, people living with dementia may experience physical, emotional, mental, and cognitive changes. They may also experience behavioural changes. The symptoms of dementia can affect how a person will think and act. In this education session, we will explore the most common behaviour changes that can occur in dementia, and some tips and strategies for understanding and addressing them.
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia
Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsce-vqTkqGt0a6IxRT4i6hLPbgKHnTaYk
MARCH 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.
Recognizing & Reducing Caregiver Stress
Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:30 - 11:30 am
This education session helps caregivers to recognize the signs of stress and offers tips and strategies for reducing stress.
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia
Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuce2trDIpE91YQX8jTnttANAJsRRVdnUP
Understanding Ambiguous Loss & Grief
Monday, March 18, 2024 at 10:30 - 11:30 am
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
Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrc-2qqTkiEtQ1-K1gx5N-2V7RFIrVBHDr
APRIL 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.
Heads Up for Healthier Brains!
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 2:00 - 3:00 pm
The brain is one of your most vital organs, playing a role in every action and every thought. Just like the rest of your body, it needs looking after. It's never too soon, or too late to make changes that will maintain or improve your brain health. This presentation offers tips and strategies about how we can all take action to maintain or even improve our brain health as we age. Participants learn about the brain health benefits of challenging the brain, reducing stress, eating well for brain health, being physically active, being socially active, protecting the head, making healthy choices, volunteering and how it contributes to brain health.
Who should attend: Open to everyone!
Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAscu2qqjIjGdI4Z3r1jsCaisrELNAnT69t
Understanding Denial & Lack of Insight in Dementia
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 10:30 - 11:30 am
It is common for someone living with dementia to deny that they are experiencing issues with their memory or cognition. It may seem like the person is in denial, however, they could be experiencing anosognosia (a lack of insight). Lack of insight means that a person with dementia is unable to recognize changes in their behaviour and personality. This presentation will explore anosognosia and suggest strategies to support the person experiencing it.
Who Should Attend: Care partners of people living with dementia.
Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsfu-rqj4jH9SdB379GQdytPBTYy7A-egh
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
APRIL SESSIONS
Enabling EDIE - A Virtual Reality Workshop for Care Partners
Monday, April 29, 2024 at 1:00 - 4:00 pm - Peterborough
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.
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
Long-Term Care Series
This virtual series, offered over two sessions, is designed to help care partners understand the process of applying to long-term care, and some important considerations to assist the person living with dementia, and the care partner, with the transition to a long-term care home.
- Applying to Long-Term Care - Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 10:00 am – 11:30 am
- Transitioning to Long-Term Care - Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 10:00 - 11:30 am
*Please note: if the person with dementia in your life has already applied to long-term care, and you are interested in attending the "Transitioning to Long-Term Care" session, you are welcome to register for only that session.
Who Should Attend: Care partners who want to know more about applying to long- term care and/or are planning to move to long-term care soon and want to discuss how to prepare the person living with dementia and themselves for this move.
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.
First Steps for Care Partners
Wednesdays – February 14, 21, 28, March 6, 2024 at 9:30 – 11:30 am
First Steps for Care Partners is a four-week virtual learning series that provides an overview of the dementia journey and will help you better understand the changes you are witnessing in the person living with dementia. 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: care partners, family members or 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.
Considering Residential Care Options Series
This virtual series, offered over two sessions, is designed to help care partners understand retirement and long-term care options, and provide considerations to help them make the right decision for them and the person living with dementia.
- Residential Care Options - Monday, February 26, 2024 at 2:00 – 3:30 pm
- Making the Decision: When is the Right Time for Long-Term Care? - Monday, March 4, 2024 at 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners who are starting to consider the move to a residential care setting that can provide more care than they can manage at home.
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.
Upcoming In-Person First Link® Learning Series
Care in the Later Stages
Tuesdays – March 26, April 2, April 9, 2024 at 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Care in the Later Stages is a 3-week learning series that is designed to help family members and friends of persons with dementia understand what to expect in the later stages of the dementia journey. Participants will learn strategies to prepare for the later stages, ways to enhance the quality of life for the person with dementia, and helpful approaches to promoting their own self care.
Who Should Attend: Family members and care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related 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.
Help in the Home Series
This series, offered over two sessions, is designed to help care partners understand the impact that the progression of dementia can have, and how to create a plan of support that involves helpful services and resources.
- Impact of Progression – Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 10:00 – 11:30 am
- Creating a Plan for Support - Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 10:00 - 11:30 am
Who Should Attend: Care partners who are just beginning to support a person living with dementia and who have not yet accessed services or have only accessed minimal services. Care Partners who are interested in learning more about how to support a person living in the community.
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.
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.