Online programming

Online education

Learn about dementia from anywhere by participating in one of our webinars or online workshops. You can attend a webinar live or watch a recording of it after the fact. Our online workshops are smaller groups with more discussion and are only available live. Learn more about our dementia education.

Webinar: Mindfulness as a strategy for living well with dementia | There is so much about life that we can’t control. We never know how things will unfold as we move forward. Cognitive change can blow in like a harsh wind and toss us around like a ship at sea. Just as we have no control over the weather; we have no control over the unfolding of cognitive change. So how can we meet the challenges with wisdom and compassion? We can learn to adjust our sails using mindful awareness. Join Dr. Liz Drance as she guides you through mindfulness practices that can support your ship when the stormy weather of cognitive change hits! 
For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Wednesday, June 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Workshop: Targeted strategies for word salad, wanting to go home and more | Dementia affects how a person conveys their thoughts and feelings; common behaviours can include mixing up words (word salad) and creating false memories without motivation (confabulation) which can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations. Learn how to address these behaviours and respond to other questions, like wanting to go home and asking about deceased relatives. For caregivers.
Tuesday, June 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Dementia diagnosis: What’s next? | Explore how to navigate life after a dementia diagnosis alongside others who are also on the dementia journey. Discuss the disease’s impact on family, learn practical strategies to live well and access resources that are available at any stage of the disease.
For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Wednesday, June 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Lived experience: The power of creative self-expression | Creative self-expression can help caregivers heal, build resilience and cope with grief and loss. In this panel discussion, caregivers will share how their personal creative outlets have helped them find solace, hope and strength on the dementia journey. 
For caregivers.
Wednesday, June 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Personal care: Bathing and hygiene | Bathing is often a highly private, personal activity and people living with dementia may need help when they’re feeling vulnerable. Learn about common hygiene challenges and effective strategies to maintain a successful routine. For caregivers.
Wednesday, July 2 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Ready for take-off: Dementia-friendly airport experiences | Join us for an inspiring and informative live panel discussion hosted by Sana Aziz, the Strategic Lead for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s Dementia-Friendly Communities team. We're excited to welcome: Jim Mann, advocate and individual with lived experience of dementia and Marco Chiaramonte, Senior Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Together, they’ll explore how YVR is leading the way in transforming air travel to be more accessible, comfortable and respectful for everyone - especially people living with dementia and their care partners. 
For the general public.
Wednesday, July 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Personal care: Dressing and grooming | We all want to look and feel good, but changes in the brain due to dementia can affect a person’s abilities and more assistance may gradually be required with personal care. Learn tips and strategies for making these daily activities more successful. For caregivers.
Wednesday, July 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Workshop: Family caregiver series | A four-part online education series for family members who are caring for a person living with dementia. Topics include: 
• Understanding dementia (types, causes, progression)
• Communication and behaviour (e.g. repetitive questions, confusion)
• Planning for the future
• Self-care for caregivers
Four Thursdays: July 17 - August 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Registration: Please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033

Webinar: Delusions, hallucinations and visual mistakes | Learn about the causes and triggers of delusions, hallucinations and visual mistakes, then explore strategies for responding to these behaviours to best support people living with dementia. 
For caregivers.
Wednesday, July 23 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Creating a safe home environment: Identifying and minimizing risks | Learn to identify safety risks in the home and make adaptations to prevent accidents. Topics include safety measures for medications, food, hazardous substances and more. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Wednesday, July 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Understanding and adapting to communication changes along the dementia journey | A person’s ability to communicate will change over the course of the dementia journey. Learn how different types of dementia affect communication and discuss strategies for adapting to and coping with these changes. 
For caregivers.
Wednesday, August 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: From overwhelmed to informed: Accessing formal dementia services | Navigating healthcare systems and seeking formal dementia support can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help. In this webinar, we will walk through the different types of formal support services available for people living with dementia, including home care, respite and adult day programs. You’ll learn how to navigate the healthcare system, overcome common barriers and challenges and feel comfortable accessing these formal programs. We will also introduce our “Accessing services workshop”, where you can learn more about additional community and informal supports available along the dementia journey. Be sure to join us for this opportunity to better understand the dementia care system, ask questions and feel supported in your journey. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Wednesday, August 13 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Lived experience | Navigating relationships post-diagnosis | In this webinar, people living with dementia and their partners will talk about how they’ve navigated changes in their relationships following a dementia diagnosis. Join us to explore: how relationships evolve and change, shifting roles and responsibilities and strategies for maintaining connection. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from couples walking the dementia journey. 
For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Wednesday, August 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Research connects: Highlights and headlines from the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference | Join our in-house Research and Knowledge Mobilization team members, Sarah Wu and Cari Randa-Beaulieu, for highlights and headlines from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto, Ontario, July 25 – 31, 2025. AAIC is the largest international conference on dementia research and features insights from world leaders in dementia science. Sarah and Cari will showcase the latest and greatest dementia research exploring risk reduction, diagnostics, mechanisms of disease, treatment and care and support from Canada and around the world. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Wednesday, August 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Considering the transition to long-term care | Learn about the options for accessing long-term care, including eligibility requirements. We will also discuss factors to consider when planning a move and provide tips for easing the transition. For caregivers.
Wednesday, September 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: From home to care home: Preparing and adjusting to the new environment | Making a transition into long-term care can be challenging for both the person living with dementia and the caregiver. Discuss strategies for minimizing the challenges, including how to prepare for the move and respond to common issues. For caregivers.
Wednesday, September 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Coffee and Chat

We offer a social program to help you meet new people, engage in social activities and have fun. Learn more about the program.

When: Every second Thursday, 11 a.m. to noon.
For people living with early-stage dementia.

Register: Call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Minds in Motion^®

Discover our fitness and social program tailored for individuals with early-stage dementia, promoting wellness and connection. Weekly online groups are free to attend. Learn more about the program.

When:

• Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Register: Call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Online Support Groups

Join our virtual support groups for caregivers and connect with an online community that understands and supports you. Learn more about our support groups.

Please note: Due to the high level of interest in our support groups for people living with dementia and caregivers, we are only listing groups with space for new members. If you're interested in joining a support group not listed here, please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline.

General support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are currently caring for a person living with dementia.
2nd Monday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
1st Tuesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
2nd Friday of the month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
3rd Thursday of the month, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

General support group (Punjabi/Hindi)
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who speak Punjabi or Hindi and are currently caring for a person living with dementia.
For more information, call the South Asian First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-833-674-5003.

General support group (Mandarin)
Open to anyone in B.C. who speaks Mandarin and is currently caring for a person living with dementia.
For more information, call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (English) or 1-833-674-5007 (Cantonese and Mandarin)

Adult children support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for a parent living with dementia.
2nd Wednesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Young onset support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for a person living with dementia who was diagnosed before the age of 65.
For more information, please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Long-term care support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for a person living with dementia in a long-term care home.
3rd Tuesday of the month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
3rd Tuesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

2SLGBTQIA+support group
Open to 2SLGBTQIA+ caregivers or caregivers of a person living with dementia who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+ anywhere in B.C.
1st Wednesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Early stage support group
Open to people living with early symptoms of dementia to discuss the impact of the disease, share stories, experiences and learn from one another about how to live well with dementia.
Every other Wednesday, 10 to 11 a.m. *telephone only*

Lewy body dementia support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for a person living with Lewy body dementia.
For more information, please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

BvFTD support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for someone with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia.
For more information, please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Online Campus

Our online campus is designed to deliver engaging, accessible and relevant education to people impacted by dementia through online e-learning courses. 

An e-learning course is similar to an online workshop, where participants learn about dementia through videos, readings and interactive activities. The difference is an e-learning course can be taken anytime, anywhere you have access to an electronic device and internet connection, and at your own pace, because we understand that flexibility is important. Visit our online campus here.

For our in-person programming, click here.