Upcoming dementia education on preparing for end-of-life

British Columbia

Join us as we explore topics that impact families affected by dementia at end-of-life. Learn the types of decisions that need to be made, conversations to have, physiological signs that signal the end-of-life, and ways to cope with grief and loss.

end of life planning dementia webinars workshops

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. continues to provide British Columbians who are affected by dementia with resources through its webinars and workshops. Starting on August 24 and running through the fall, the Society will be hosting education sessions many of which will focus on topics related to dementia and end-of-life care.

About 25 per cent of seniors over 85 have been diagnosed with dementia across Canada. With B.C.’s aging population, planning for the end of life becomes increasingly important for families to ensure the wishes of a person living with dementia are respected.

Many families affected by dementia might not know where to start when it comes to end-of-life care or even how to start talking about it. Through the upcoming webinars and workshops, they will learn about the types of decisions that need to be made, conversations to have, physiological signs that signal the end-of-life, and ways to cope with grief and loss. 

“Not only is the information helpful from the education perspective, but it also provides an opportunity for families to engage in an honest conversation and find a starting point for planning,” says Laurie DeCroos, Support & Education Coordinator, First Link, at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.  

We have also invited special guest speakers to discuss topics including advance care planning, palliative care, and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). 
 

Click on the links below to watch our on-demand education sessions:

Preparing for end-of-life on the dementia journey (webinar) - Watch now

Learn what to expect when transitioning from advanced dementia to end-of-life. We will explore the physiological signs of dying, key decisions to be made, ways to discuss end-of-life wishes in advance, and strategies to maintain connection throughout the end of the dementia journey. For caregivers & people living with dementia.

Introduction to Advance Care Planning (webinar) - Watch now

Do you have a plan for your future health care and personal care? If you couldn't speak for yourself, do your family and friends know what your healthcare wishes are? Join our guest presenters from the  BC Centre for Palliative Care to learn how to plan for your future care, also known as advance care planning, and come away with information and resources to help you get started. For caregivers and people living with dementia.

What is palliative care? (webinar) - Watch now

Join Della Roberts RN, BSN, MSN, CHPCN (C) from the BC Centre for Palliative Care to learn more about what palliative is and how it differs from hospice care. Sharing her experience as a certified hospice and palliative care nurse, Della will discuss what palliative care may look like for someone living with dementia and their family and who can access palliative care in B.C. For caregivers and people living with dementia.

MAiD and Dementia with Dr. Dirk Coetsee (webinar) - Watch now

Dr. Dirk Coetsee, a MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) provider in B.C., will join us to share his experiences and information about the current law and practices for MAiD in B.C. as it relates to dementia. For caregivers and people living with dementia.

Handout available - Key facts about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

Grief and loss and the dementia experience: a panel discussion (webinar) - Watch now

Join Society staff members Leanne Shuttleworth, Castine Breckwoldt and Kim McKercher for a conversation around grief and loss. Each panelist will draw on their past experiences working in a variety of hospice and long term care settings to address some of the most common questions we hear from families impacted by dementia. For the general public.

Coping with change, grief and loss (workshop)

The workshop has ended. If you have any questions about dementia, call our First Link® Dementia Helpline for information and support.

The dementia experience involves change and loss and uncertainty. Join us to explore strategies to help you and those around you cope in the face of these changes. For caregivers and people living with dementia.

Planning for health-care, legal and financial decisions (workshop)

The workshop has ended. If you have any questions about dementia, call our First Link® Dementia Helpline for information and support.

Plan now, before dementia affects the ability to communicate. Learn how to begin early legal, health-care and financial planning to prepare for your future. For caregivers and people living with dementia.