Programs and services

The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent provides a wide variety of programs and services for persons with dementia, for care partners and for healthcare professionals.

National dementia ambassador Tanis Rummery.

If you or someone you know is facing the uncertainty of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, call our office at (519) 352-1043 or email us at info@justasck.ca.

Behavioural Supports Ontario

The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent serves as the Lead Organization for Erie St. Clair Behavioural Supports Ontario program.

This program provides enhanced and integrated services meeting the needs of older adults with responsive behaviours. These behaviours are associated with dementia, mental health, addictions and other neurological conditions and are usually the result of an unmet care need. Services are provided in the community and Long-Term Care Homes.

This program facilitates seamless, interdisciplinary care for individuals with responsive behaviours and their care partners consistent with the client's value statement, "I am a unique individual and I am worthy of respect, dignity and quality care."

Care Partner Support Group

Care Partner Support Group is an opportunity for self-care and is available to all care partners that are affected by Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. Care partners can share experiences, learn new coping strategies and take time for one self.

We are currently offering one support group:

  • In-person - First Wednesday of every month from 1-2:30pm at the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres in Chatham at 150 Richmond Street.

Register through Eventbrite by clicking here or call our office at 519-352-1043.

Counselling

Who can benefit from counselling?

Those who have questions about dementia, are concerned they may have dementia, have been diagnosed, or are caring for someone with dementia.

What are the advantages of counselling?

A Registered Social Worker can help you by:

  • Providing the opportunity to talk about feelings and individual circumstances in a private, supportive environment.
  • Providing education and support to learn ways to cope in a positive manner and to make plans for the future.
  • Connection and navigation to other resources available to you at the Alzheimer Society and within the community including follow-up.

Where is counselling provided?

This service is available over the phone, at our office or at your home.

Is there a cost?

Counselling is available to you at no cost.

Cognitive Assessments

A cognitive assessment can be administered in the office or at your home, with or without a referral from your primary care provider.

Day Program

Clients enjoy social, recreational and physical activities that promote the maintenance of brain health in a safe environment with full-time support.

Features of the Day Program include:

  • 2 locations:
    • Chatham - 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday - Saturday
    • Wallaceburg - 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday - Friday
  • "Failure free" activities that promote self-esteem
  • VON "SMART" exercise & falls prevention program
  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Customized care plans
  • Counselling and referrals
  • Health monitoring by a Registered Nurse
  • Medication support
  • Personal care assistance
  • Staff who are specially trained in dementia approaches and care
  • A wheelchair-accessible environment
  • Monthly activity calendar
  • Allows respite time for care partners

Ministry of Health mandated co-payment required.

Education

Education and public awareness programs have been developed to assist with the distribution of information to people living with dementia, formal and informal care partners, students and the general public. Educational sessions can be individualized to meet the needs of the participants.

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (for healthcare professionals)

This is an innovative education curriculum that is currently being offered to all staff in care organizations throughout Ontario and other areas with Certified Coaches. Participants attend a day-long seminar that addresses assessing and responding to responsive behaviours associated with dementia in multidisciplinary settings.

Finding Your Way

Anyone who has dementia and is able to walk is at risk of going missing. Finding Your Way is a program that offers practical advice on how to lessen the risk of going missing, and what to do if they do occur. The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent will provide care partners with education and a Finding Your Way safety kit which contains tools to help ensure the safety of the individual while allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity.

Other educational opportunities provided but not limited to:

  • Sensitivity Training
  • Grade 4/5 Awareness Program
  • Montessori-Based Activities in Dementia Care
  • Secondary School Education Program
  • U-First! Training
  • Dementia Friendly Communities
  • P.I.E.C.E.S. Training

First Link®

First Link® is a partnership program between the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent, physicians and allied healthcare professionals to provide direct referrals that link individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias to a community of learning, services, and support as early as possible in the disease process.

For care partners, click here for more information.

For healthcare providers, click here for more information.

To download a fillable referral form, click here. To fill out an online referral form, click here.

In-Home Mobility Monitor

In-Home Mobility Monitors offer a safe alternative to monitoring the person in your care when in your home. This monitor will make a sound when the person you are caring for goes from one room to another, or goes out the door of your home.

This monitor is loaned at no cost, however, a refundable deposit is required when the monitor is signed out.

In-Home Respite Care

  • A non-emergency support program that is tailored to meet individual needs in their own home.
  • Professional In-Home Personal Support Workers who receive continual training and provide individualized care to persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
  • The support includes social stimulation to encourage participation in maintaining skills and abilities, personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), meal assistance and cueing, medication assistance and some light housekeeping or assistance with laundry.
  • Ministry of Health mandated co-payment required.

Lending Library

The Resource Lending Library is available for those who are interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias through books, videos and resource guides.

Referrals

The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent accepts self-referrals from residents and family members. Please call our office at (519) 352-1043.

Healthcare professionals can use this referral form to make a referral on behalf of their client.