Programs and services

Help for Today

We are here to help.

Our staff and volunteers provide support programs, educational resources, referral services and more to ease the burden of care and improve the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, as well as their caregivers and families.

Experience has shown that the earlier people begin to learn and strategize about coping with dementia, the better they are prepared and the better their caregivers can provide support over time.

We hope you will find relief in knowing that you are not alone and do not have to pioneer your own path, when so many have gone before and have shared their learning.

Scroll down to learn more about the programs and services we offer at the Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County.

Support Programs

These programs offer support and improve quality of life for people living with dementia, families and caregivers.

First Link® Learning Series

The First Link® Learning Series offers information about dementia and links people living with dementia and their caregivers directly to programs and services in their own communities.

The First Link Learning Series includes:

• First Steps: Knowledge & Understanding for People Living with Memory Loss
• Next Steps: Knowledge & Understanding for Families & Friends
• Care Essentials: Knowledge & Understanding for Families & Friends
• Options for care: Knowledge and Understanding for Families & Friends

Other support programs

• Advanced Care Planning
• Compassion Care Planning
• Living Well with Alzheimer's Disease workshop

Dementia education and resources

For people living with dementia and caregivers

The Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County provides many educational opportunities for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and caregivers.

Contact our office for more information or to register for any of our education events. Call 519-941-1221 or email awareness@alzheimerdufferin.org.

For healthcare providers

The Alzheimer Society supports the ongoing learning and education of healthcare providers who are dedicated to helping people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Check out our section for healthcare providers.

More resources on dementia

Across Canada, the Alzheimer Society offers resources for people living with dementia, caregivers, family members, healthcare providers and first responders.

For a full list of helpful resources, visit our online resource library.

Referral services

If you are concerned that you may have dementia, or have been recently diagnosed and are unsure what your next step is, the Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County can help you get the information you need.

Self-referral

Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

• If you are concerned about any of the early warning signs, go to your doctor.
• If you don’t receive the help you need, ask to be referred to a specialist. You know your body and you should speak up if you have worries about Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
• Our list of 10 warning signs can help you identify the signs of dementia.

For help and support with self-referral, contact the Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County at 519-941-1221 or email info@alzheimerdufferin.org.

First Link®

First Link® is an innovative program that connects people who are newly diagnosed with local healthcare providers across Ontario. People living with dementia can receive information about diagnosis, day-to-day living, positive approaches to care and how to prepare for the end of life.

The program also provides individual support and counselling and links people with the disease to other Alzheimer Society programs and services.

Learn more about First Link®.

Individual and group support

We provide a variety of support for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, caregivers, family members and healthcare providers, whether it is through individual support or a support group.

Find support in Dufferin County.

Public awareness

We provide many learning opportunities for the general public as well as corporate information sessions. Through these opportunities and sessions, you can learn more about dementia and how you can help make our community more dementia-friendly.

Learn more about public awareness in Dufferin County.

Safety services

When Alzheimer's disease and other dementias progress, the person living with the disease has the potential to go missing. This situation presents a serious safety concern, but know that help and support is available.

MedicAlert® Safely Home®

MedicAlert® Safely Home® is a nationwide service designed to help identify a person living with dementia who has gone missing. The service also ensures that the person returns to their family safe and sound.

MedicAlert® Safely Home® was created through a partnership between MedicAlert Foundation Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Learn more about MedicAlert® Safely Home®.