Dementia education for healthcare providers in Muskoka
If you're a healthcare provider, the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka can connect you to an educational opportunity near you. In addition, learn more about the variety of Ontario-based resources available to you from across the province.
For more information on any of these educational opportunities, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka at 705-645-5621.
In-services
The Alzheimer Society of Muskoka offers education in-services to staff in primary care, hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes and community agencies.
Sessions are custom designed with the goal of increasing knowledge and understanding of the various issues related to supporting a person with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- Overview of dementia,
- Assessment tools,
- Understanding the connection between brain and behaviour,
- Communication with the person with dementia,
- Research updates,
- Maintaining brain health and
- Advance care planning.
Gentle Persuasive Approach
Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) is an innovative education program appropriate for all levels of staff within community and long-term care organizations that support older adults.
The goal of this 7.5 hour / one day program is to provide staff with the skill and confidence to respond respectfully to responsive behaviours with a person-centred approach.
Participants in this program will learn compassionate and effective ways to help people living with dementia when they are very upset and frustrated and how to support persons living with dementia in a non-punitive and self-protective manner.
North Simcoe Muskoka Dementia Conference
The annual North Simcoe Muskoka Dementia Network Conference is held in the fall for professional caregivers. The conference is presented by the North Simcoe Dementia Network
Held on a single day, the conference features guest speakers with specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of dementia care.
U-First!
If you are a PSW or other health-care professional, you can increase your skills in caring for people with dementia by completing this specialized dementia care training program online. U-First! is a simple and affordable training program in dementia care for healthcare providers. After completing six hours of training, you will receive a certificate in dementia care proving you have been trained in the highest standards as mandated by the province of Ontario.
Public Education Co-ordinators
Public Education Co-ordinators in Ontario’s Alzheimer Societies raise awareness about dementia and provide education, support services and volunteer training.
To contact the Public Education Co-ordinator in your area, please call the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka at 705-645-5621.
Dementia Studies community college program
The Dementia Studies community college program a comprehensive training program in dementia care at many community colleges across Ontario. If you are currently providing care, or want to start a career providing care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in a healthcare setting, this course is a good place to start.
This program is supported by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.
Ensuring Quality Standards Project
Without standards, it's hard to measure progress and success. That's the idea behind the Alzheimer Society of Ontario's Ensuring Quality Standards Project, a five-year initiative funded by an Ontario Trillium grant.
Read Putting Our Best Foot Forward (PDF), a report that details how the project helped Ontario’s Alzheimer Societies improve quality by determining areas that needed most improvement and by developing useful resources.
More useful links and resources
For health-care professionals who work with people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, here are some educational resources that may be helpful.
The Foundation for Medical Practice Education
The Foundation for Medical Practice Education (FMPE) is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to the development, production, and evaluation of educational programs for community-based family medicine and general practitioners.
International Psychogeriatric Association
Includes a section on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).