Programs and services
Our Society links individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias to a community of learning, information and support.
If you are living with dementia, contact your closest regional office or call us at 1-866-950-5465 to find out how we can help.
First Link®
First Link® is an early intervention program that connects people living with dementia and their care partners to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories for services and support.
First Link® Connections is a two-hour session where you can join others in a small group setting to learn about dementia and Alzheimer's disease, community supports and resources and how the Alzheimer Society can help you plan for the future. Reach out to your local regional office to find a session near you.
Support Groups
Having a diagnosis of dementia, or supporting a person with this diagnosis, can be incredibly demanding. People experience a variety of feelings and the demands of the disease can make it difficult can lead to loneliness and isolation.
We offer several support groups to share feelings and experiences, exchange practical coping strategies, and participate in discussions about the disease and its progression. If you are looking for a support group, please connect with the regional office near you to find out what groups are available.
Seeds of Hope Family Learning Series
People describe a range of emotions related to being a care partner of someone with dementia, including guilt, confusion, resentment, helplessness, grief and sadness. We often hear questions like:
- What do you do when they don’t want to take a shower anymore?
- How do I communicate with them effectively?
- How am I going to afford this?
- What is respite and where can I find it?
- What legal issues might arise that I should be prepared to address?
The Seeds of Hope: Family Learning Series helps answer these types of questions and defines phases of dementia in terms of the caregiving journey you face as the person with dementia progresses through the disease.
The educational series is offered in-person in our regional offices and online on Help for Dementia.
The online series is presented through video segments, with participation from people living with dementia and care partners.
Both the in-person and online series offers participants an opportunity to reflect on care and support strategies and connect with others in similar circumstances.
Help for Dementia & DementiaTalk Canada
Help for Dementia is an online community and education forum designed to help people connect, share, discuss and learn about dementia. It is a gathering place for individuals living with dementia, families, care partners and friends.
Help for Dementia provides access to our learning and education series and several webinars on topics of interest to those affected by dementia.
DementiaTalk Canada is a great way to meet others online to ask questions, share experiences, and find support for many dementia-related topics. Join a discussion or start your own and reach out to others today.
Young Onset Resources
Being diagnosed under the age of 65 presents unique challenges and there are many topics to consider, including, finances, children, employment, and health wishes.
Living with dementia can cause big changes in individuals and families future plans as many need to consider how life needs and wishes may change as a person’s dementia progresses.
Please visit Help for Dementia and links below for additional resources:
Education Resource e-Store
Twiddle Muffs, Activity Mats and Lap Blankets Available
Due to the generosity of volunteers who made them with love and care, the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories has a variety of twiddle muffs, activity mats, and lap blankets available.
The twiddle muffs and activity mats have items attached to keep your loved ones’ hands active and busy. They provide a wonderful source of visual, tactile, and sensory stimulation. The lap blankets can be used as is, or you are welcome to add items to them on your own to turn them into fidget blankets.
Each item is $10 to cover the cost of shipping; however, there is an option to donate additional funds for a tax receipt at checkout if you wish to do so.
Here are some ways the funds you give will support individuals, families and care partners that come to us for help on their journey with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias:
- $20: Allows us to send out information packages to four new clients – linking families to a community of learning, information, and support.
- $45: Provides someone with access to our Seeds of Hope Family Learning Series – an educational series that offers care and support strategies and an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations.
- $60: Covers the cost for someone to attend a support group for an entire year so people with dementia and their care partners do not have to feel so alone.
- $150: Gives a family access to First Link® Connections – a place for people to learn about dementia, what community resources are available, and how the Alzheimer Society can help them plan for the future.
- Choose your own amount! Every dollar counts and will help to make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia.