Learning Series for People with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia and their Families and Friends

1. First Steps for People with Dementia and Care Partners

Our Living Well with Dementia workshop and First Steps program aim to help individuals newly diagnosed with a dementia and their care partners understand their diagnosis and the changes they experience. This series will also offer participants an opportunity to share and connect with others embarking on a similar journey.

Topics include:
• What is dementia?
• Memory loss, changes to the brain and resulting behaviours
• Coping strategies
• Drugs, treatment and research
• Future planning - legal and financial matters
• Community resources and support systems

2. Next Steps for Families and Friends

This monthly series will offer family members/care partners of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (or a related dementia) an overview of dementia and practical strategies for responding to challenging behaviours and caregiver stress.

1. Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (April, July, October, January)

2. Understanding Communication and Responsive Behaviours (May, August, November, February)

3. Managing Caregiver Stress Positively (June, September, December, March)

3. The resilient caregiver - middle stage

This workshop series, planned for February 2011, will offer family members/care partners an overview of the changes faced in the middle stage of dementia. Problem-solving strategies and approaches for meeting increased care needs will be discussed. There will be an emphasis on sharing and discussion.

Topics include:
• The progression of dementia
• Communication and behaviour
• Assisting with day to day activities
• Transitions

4. Options for Care

This series will help family members/care partners of people with Alzheimer's disease (or a related dementia) evaluate their current caregiving needs and explore other available care options, including long term care. This series features guest speakers from community support agencies.

Topics include:
• Where to turn when care needs are increasing
• Long Term Care - how the system works
• Coping with change - how to make the transition

5. Care in the Later Stages

This series will help family members/care partners of people with Alzheimer's disease (or a related dementia) understand what to expect in the later stages. The series will also explore how participants can provide comfort to the person with dementia as well as review the experiences of grief and loss.

Topics include:
• Natural course of the later stages
• How to recognize pain and distress
• How to provide care that promotes dignity, comfort and quality of life

The courses in the Learning Series for care partners are progressive. Each course builds upon the other to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, resources and support systems. Participants have the opportunity to learn and share with others who are affected by dementia.

Pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited.

There is no charge for education sessions; however a donation of $5 for resource materials is greatly appreciated.

For more information, or to register, please speak with one of our Family Support staff:
905-576-2567 or 1-888-301-1106
Or email info@alzheimerdurham.com

Please see our Calendar of Events page to view dates for upcoming sessions.