Programs and services

Activation programs

In-home Recreation Therapy

Recreation and leisure are important for us all, and appropriate recreational activities are integral to improving/optimizing quality of life for persons with dementia.  Our Recreation Therapists will work with persons with dementia and their care partners to develop a flexible, client-focussed recreation treatment program that accommodates all stages and abilities.  For more information about our in-home Recreation Therapy program, please see the program brochure.

Volunteer Visiting

In this program, Alzheimer Society volunteers visit with persons with dementia to provide companionship, activation, and socialization.  Volunteers are specially trained, screened, and matched in order to provide a positive experience for both parties.  For more information about our Volunteer Visiting program, please see the program brochure.

Support Programs

Families living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia face a variety of unique challenges, and the Alzheimer Society can help with a number of support services. For more information on these services, contact one of our offices noted on the Contact Us page. 

First Link^®

First Link is a program that links persons with dementia and their care partners to coordinated learning, services, and support from the point of diagnosis throughout the continuum of the disease. After a referral has been made, the First Link Coordinator will:

• Offer dementia education and ongoing support for the person with dementia and family members;
• Assess for other Alzheimer Society programs (e.g., Safely Home^®, Recreation Therapy, volunteer visiting, behaviour support);
• Make referrals to other appropriate community services.

If you are a health provider and would like to make a referral to First Link or other Alzheimer Society programs, please download our referral form.

Supportive Counselling

Our professional staff will meet with the person with dementia and/or their care partners, in person or by phone, to discuss issues such as disease progression, care options, and community services. Meetings can take place either in our office or in the individual's home. Our Family Services program brochure provides more information on our Support program.

Support Groups

We have groups specially designed for those with dementia, and others that are specific for care partners. Groups are an excellent way to learn more about the disease as well as receive peer support and professional guidance. Groups are normally held monthly. For information on upcoming Learning Series, please see our Support and Education Calendar.

Cognitive Assessments

The Alzheimer Society does not support broad population-based cognitive screening, and therefore will conduct cognitive assessments only where risk factors have been identified. Age alone is not sufficient reason to conduct cognitive assessment. Our professional staff will provide cognitive assessment when referred by a primary care practitioner or when requested by the client as a result of a perceived change in cognitive ability.

Behaviour Support

Behaviour Supports Ontario is a province-wide initiative that aims to improve quality of life for persons with dementia and their care partners by helping to manage responsive behaviours. Our Behaviour Support Facilitator can assist with responsive behaviours through activities such as behaviour mapping and caregiver education. If you are a health care provider and would like to make a referral to the Behaviour Support program, please download the BSO Referral Form.

Resources

The Alzheimer Society provides many resources for people with dementia, family members, caregivers, and health-care professionals.  

Katherine L. Punch Resource Centre

In Sault Ste. Marie, the Katherine L. Punch Resource Centre contains a wide variety of books and videos on many dementia-related topics that are available for loan free of charge.  Smaller libraries are maintained  in our north and east satellite offices, but all resources can be loaned out to any location in Algoma district.

Provincial and National Brochures, Publications, and Other Resources

Alzheimer Society brochures and publications

Resources for people with dementia, caregivers, family members and health-care practitioners.

Other resources for the person with dementia

Resources to help you better understand your diagnosis and learn more about programs near you.

Video library

Videos about Alzheimer's disease and how to support someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their caregiver and family members.

Other resources for caregivers

Resources to help you better understand Alzheimer’s disease and your role in helping your loved one.