Programs and Services

We are here to help

Our staff and volunteers provide support programs, educational resources, referral services and more to connect you to the right supports for your situation and improve the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, as well as their care partner and families.

Experience has shown that the earlier people begin to learn and strategize about coping with dementia, the better they are prepared and the better their care partners can provide support over time.

We hope you will find relief in knowing that you are not alone and do not have to pioneer your own path when so many have gone before and have shared their learning.

Scroll down to learn more about the programs and services we offer at the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka.

Support programs

These programs offer support and improve quality of life for people living with dementia, families and caregivers.

Minds in Motion^®

Through Minds in Motion®, people living with dementia and their care partners will experience meaningful and beneficial socialization and stimulation through a number of appropriate activities.

Learn more about Minds in Motion^®.

In-Home Recreation Program

The In-Home Recreation Program provides the opportunity for persons living with dementia to participate in a range of activities that are stimulating, therapeutic, and socially engaging in their own home.

Learn more about the In-Home Recreation Program

The Music iPod Program

The Music iPod Program intends to provide the means and opportunity for a person living with dementia to experience the benefits of a musical intervention so that he or she may enjoy an enhanced quality of life. Through consultation with the participant and/or family, a personalized playlist will be created and supplied to the person for use on an iPod Shuffle. Shuffles will be loaned out for three months, with an option to renew.

Learn more about our Music iPod Program.

Dementia education and resources

The Alzheimer Society of Muskoka responds to enquiries from people living with dementia, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.

Information packages are available upon request by calling 705-645-5621 or 1-800-605-2075 or by emailing [email protected].

For people living with dementia and care partners

Understanding the disease and its process is an important step, both for the person living with the disease and the person that's caring for them.

From our educational series to online learning, our public education team can answer questions about brain health and how to live well with dementia. The learning series helps provide care partners with the skills and knowledge necessary to support a person living with dementia. Courses in this series include:

The First Link® Learning Series

The First Link® Learning Series is made up of five distinct courses that are progressive in nature. Each course builds upon the other to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, resources and support systems. This series will offer family members and friends caring for individuals with dementia the knowledge necessary to enhance coping skills. Learn more about the First Link® Learning Series.

First Steps for People Living with Dementia and Care Partner

This four week (two hours per week) series helps people newly diagnosed with dementia and their care partners understand their diagnosis and the changes they will experience. It offers participants an opportunity to share and connect with others. Learn more about First Steps.

Online learning

Through the Alzheimer Society of Toronto and AlzEducate, you can learn online via webinars, self-guided courses, and professional certificate programs. Learn more about online learning.

For healthcare providers

The Alzheimer Society of Muskoka supports the ongoing learning and education of healthcare providers who are dedicated to helping people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Check out our section for healthcare providers.

More resources on dementia

Across Canada, the Alzheimer Society offers resources for people living with dementia, caregivers, families, healthcare providers and first responders.

For a full list of helpful resources, visit our online resource library.

Referral services

If you are concerned that you may have dementia, or have been recently diagnosed and are unsure what your next step is, the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka can connect you to the appropriate healthcare provider and community support services.

Self-referral

Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

• If you are concerned about any of the early warning signs, go to your doctor.
• If you don’t receive the help you need, ask to be referred to a specialist. You know your body and you should speak up if you have worries about Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
• Our list of 10 warning signs can help you identify the signs of dementia.

Self-referrals to the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka can be made by contacting 705-645-5621 (toll-free: 1-800-605-2075) or through a healthcare provider using the First Link® referral program.

First Link^®

First Link® is a program of the Alzheimer Society that connects people living with dementia and their care partners to the information, supports and services they need as early as possible and throughout the progression of the condition. Connecting to the right supports early in the dementia journey can make a big difference in the quality of life for both the person diagnosed and the care partner. The First Link® program makes connections to vital dementia information, support and services helping to build confidence for the journey ahead.

First Link^® provides:

• Ongoing access to information, support and services,
• System navigation,
• Increased knowledge and confidence to live well with dementia,
• Better health and quality of life outcomes,
• Decreased care partner stress, burnout and health complications,
• Reduce feelings of isolation,
• Potential ability to live safely at home longer and
• Fewer and less intense crises.

Learn more about First Link^®.

Individual and group support

We provide a variety of support for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, care partners, family members and healthcare providers, whether it is through individual support or a support group.

Find support in Muskoka.

Public awareness

We provide many learning opportunities for the general public as well as special presentations for schools. Through these opportunities and sessions, you can learn more about dementia and how you can help make our community more dementia-friendly.

Learn more about public awareness in Muskoka.

Safety services

When Alzheimer's disease and other dementias progress, the person living with the disease has the potential to go missing. This situation presents a serious safety concern, but know that help and support is available.

Finding Your Way^®

Finding Your Way® is a website dedicated to helping people living with dementia, their families, care partners and communities to recognize the risk of going missing, be prepared for incidents of going missing, and ensure that people with dementia can live safely in the community. Learn more about Finding Your Way®.

Other services in your community

Services for people living with dementia and their care partners that are not provided by the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka may be provided by other community agencies.

Please call us or call 211 (211 Ontario) or 1-888-721-2222 (NSM Health Line) to see what other services are available in your community.