Education Opportunities
We offer various learning opportunities to help families and friends continue to enhance their knowledge of dementia. These sessions will be hosted by an Alzheimer Society staff member either in-person or online.
Fall & Winter 2025 & 2026 Education Opportunities
In Person Education
First Steps: A First Link Learning Series - PETERBOROUGH
First Steps is a four-week learning series that provides an overview of the dementia journey and will help you better understand the changes you are experiencing. Research has shown that when people learn about dementia early in the illness, they manage better. At this series, you will learn about types of dementia and how changes in the brain affect day-to-day functioning. You will also identify coping strategies and begin to plan for the future.
Dates: Tuesdays - October 21, 28, November 11, 18, 2025 at 1:30pm – 4:00pm. Please note: there is NO session on November 4. (November 25 is a back-up date, if needed)
Intended Audience: Persons in the early stages of dementia; family members or friends.
Click here for more information
Care in the Later Stages: A First Link Learning Series - LINDSAY
Care in the Later Stages is a 3-week learning series that is designed to help family members and friends of persons with dementia understand what to expect in the later stages of the dementia journey. Participants will learn strategies to prepare for the later stages, ways to enhance the quality of life for the person with dementia, and helpful approaches to promoting their own self care.
Dates: Wednesdays - October 29, November 5, 12, 2025 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
(November 19 is a back-up date if needed)
Intended Audience: Family members and care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are invited to attend this learning series.
Click here for more information
Understanding and Responding to Behaviour Changes in Dementia – PETERBOROUGH
Dementia can have an effect on how a person behaves. These behaviour changes can be frustrating for both the person living with dementia and those supporting them. As a care partner, you may be wondering why this behaviour change is occurring and how to respond to it. In this presentation, we will discuss how dementia impacts behaviour and the importance of understanding the meaning behind the behaviour. We will also explore strategies for responding to some common behaviour changes in dementia.
Date: Wednesday, November 5th 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Intended Audience: Care partners, family and friends of people living with dementia
Click here for more information
Care Essentials: A First Link Learning Series for Care Partners - PETERBOROUGH
Participants will learn about the link between brain changes and behaviour, problem solving strategies, new approaches for communication, and how to best support daily activities. Participants will also learn about other resources to support them in their role as a care partner.
Dates: Wednesdays - Nov. 19, 26, Dec. 3, 10, 2025 at 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (December 17 is a back-up date, if needed)
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia
Click here for more information
Care in the Later Stages: A First Link Learning Series – NORWOOD
Care in the Later Stages is a 3-week learning series that is designed to help family members and friends of persons with dementia understand what to expect in the later and end-of-life stages of the dementia journey. Participants will learn strategies to prepare for these stages, ways to enhance the quality of life for the person with dementia, and helpful approaches to promoting their own self care.
Date: Mondays January 26, February 2, 9 2026 (February 23 is a back-up date if needed); 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Family members and care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are invited to attend this learning series.
Click here for more information
Awareness Through Art: A Creative Session for People Living with Early-Stage Dementia & Their Care Partners - PETERBOROUGH
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month! Please join us for a creative community collaboration that celebrates connection, expression, and identity. Together, we’ll create something meaningful that reflects who you are, beyond your diagnosis or care partner role. Come share your voice, your story, and your creativity as we build something beautiful with our community and for our community.
This session will be facilitated by Quinn Cochrane, a post-graduate Art Therapy student, working under the supervision of a Registered Canadian Art Therapist. *No prior art experience or talent is needed. Only an openness to the possibilities!*
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm (Tuesday, February 3 is a back-up date if needed)
Who Should Attend: Persons in the early stages of dementia and their care partners
Click here for more information
What’s It Like for EDIE? A Workshop for Care Partners - PETERBOROUGH
The Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a free 3-hour workshop designed for care partners and family members of people living with dementia. This immersive experience enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia using high-quality virtual reality technology. The workshop enhances your knowledge of dementia while exploring helpful strategies to support the person to live well and more confidently with dementia.
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (back-date is February 11th if needed) at 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia
Click here for more information
Creative Expression for Care Partner Well-Being: A Creative Series for Care Partners - PETERBOROUGH
This creative series focuses on self-care and relaxation. We will explore a variety of themes including identity, resiliency, and community with a post-graduate art therapy student. Working under the supervision of a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, your facilitator will guide you through exploring how creative expression can support your well-being.
*No prior art experience or talent is needed. Only an openness to the possibilities!*
Date: Tuesdays – February 10, 17, 24, March 3 & 10, 2026, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Who Should Attend: care partners of people living with dementia
Click here for more information
What’s It Like for EDIE? A Workshop for Care Partners - COBOURG
The Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a free 3-hour workshop designed for care partners and family members of people living with dementia. This immersive experience enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia using high-quality virtual reality technology. The workshop enhances your knowledge of dementia while exploring helpful strategies to support the person to live well and more confidently with dementia.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (back-up date is March 10 if needed) at 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia
Click here for more information
First Steps: A First Link Learning Series – PORT HOPE
First Steps is a four-week learning series that provides an overview of the dementia journey and will help you better understand the changes you are experiencing. Research has shown that when people learn about dementia early in the illness, they manage better. At this series, you will learn about types of dementia and how changes in the brain affect day-to-day functioning. You will also identify coping strategies and begin to plan for the future.
Date: Tuesdays – March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 2026 (back-up date is April 21 if needed) 10:00am – 12:30pm.
Who Should Attend: Persons in the early stages of dementia; family members or friends.
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
U-First! For Care Partners Workshop – 2-Part Education Program - LINDSAY
U-First!® for Care Partners is a 2-part education program for family and friends who want to learn more about how to respond to responsive behaviours that can occur in the middle and later stages of dementia.
Please note: those interested in attending this workshop must have attended other dementia education programs (e.g. First Link Learning Series) in the past. Introductory information about dementia symptoms and progression are not covered in this program.
The goals of the program are to:
• Help care partners identify a specific behaviour change they are finding challenging and use the U-First! Framework to build a support plan to help them understand and respond to the behaviour.
• Enhance well-being of care partners and of the person they are supporting who is experiencing behaviour changes
Date: Wednesdays, March 25 & April 1 2026 (April 8 is a back-up date if needed) 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Who Should Attend: Family and friends providing direct support to someone experiencing behaviour changes, as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment.
Click here for more information
Online Education
Applying to Long-Term Care - Online Education Session
This education session is designed to help care partners understand the process of applying to long-term care. The process of applying to long-term care can seem overwhelming. Our goal with this session is to walk you through the steps, allowing you time to consider your situation and ask your questions.
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Intended Audience: Care partners who want to know more about applying to long-term care.
Care Partner Loss and Grief - Online Education Session
Explore the concept of ambiguous loss, develop coping strategies and gain understanding of feelings of grief when caring for a person living with dementia.
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 2:30 pm – 3: 30 pm
Intended Audience: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia.
Preparing for the Holidays – Online Education Session
For people living with dementia, and their caregivers, the holiday season can sometimes be a stressful and overwhelming time. With some modifications to our regular traditions, we can make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone. This presentation explores some helpful holiday tips that can make this season as stress-free as possible!
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Who should attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia.
An Overview of Dementia - Online Education Session
This presentation is all about understanding dementia. It aims to increase our understanding of the various types of dementia that exist, including both reversible and irreversible types, as well as the symptoms of dementia. It will also explore how Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, impacts the brain and how it is likely to progress.
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Who Should Attend: Open to everyone!
Brain Health and Dementia - Online Education Session
Goals of this presentation include understanding the risk factors associated with developing dementia, recognizing how lifestyle plays a role in your risk of developing dementia, and taking action to support brain health.
Date: Monday, January 12, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Open to everyone!
Understanding Dementia Symptoms: The 8As of Dementia - Online Education Session
In this presentation we will explore the impact of dementia on the brain and the most common cognitive symptoms that occur as a result. Changes in cognition include memory loss, loss of recognition, lack of insight, changes in communication, apathy, loss of purposeful movement, changes in perception, and an inability to maintain or shift attention. Join us to learn more about these symptoms and explore the ways which we can support individuals living with dementia to navigate these changes to their cognition and abilities.
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia.
The Alzheimer Society: How We Can Help – Online Education Session
Have you ever wondered what exactly the Alzheimer Society offers in terms of programs, services, and resources? In this presentation we will provide an overview of all the different ways you can connect with us! Whether you are looking for support, education, or opportunities for recreation, the Alzheimer Society team is here to help!
Date: Monday, January 27, 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Who Should Attend: Open to everyone!
Making the Decision: Considering the right time for long-term care - Online Education Session
This presentation reviews various factors to consider when making the decision about the right time for long-term care. This presentation also explores waitlists and the various emotions involved while making the decision.
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026 – 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners who are starting to consider the move to a residential care setting that can provide more care than they can manage at home.
First Steps for Care Partners – Online Education Session
First Steps for Care Partners is a four-week virtual learning series that provides an overview of the dementia journey and will help you better understand the changes you are witnessing in the person living with dementia. Research has shown that when people learn about dementia early in the illness, they manage better. At this series, you will learn about types of dementia and how changes in the brain affect day-to-day functioning. You will also identify coping strategies and begin to plan for the future.
Date: Thursdays February 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026 – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Who Should Attend: care partners, family members or friends of people living with dementia
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Applying to Long-Term Care - Online Education Session
This education session is designed to help care partners understand the process of applying to long-term care. The process of applying to long-term care can seem overwhelming. Our goal with this session is to walk you through the steps, allowing you time to consider your situation and ask your questions.
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Who Should Attend: Care partners who want to know more about applying to long-term care.
Click here for more information
Preparing for Long-Term Care - Online Education Session
In this session, care partners will learn how to prepare the person living with dementia and themselves for the transition to long-term care. Topics include:
- Preparing the person living with dementia for the move
- Preparing yourself for the move
- Acknowledging emotions
- Transitioning your role after the move
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026 – 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, or friends who support someone living with dementia who is transitioning to long-term care.
Click here for more information
Behaviour Changes Series – Part One - Online Education
In Part One of this series, we enhance our understanding of why behaviour changes may occur in dementia. In Part Two, we will build upon this knowledge to explore possible strategies for responding to common behaviour changes.
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia
Link to register, click here for more information
The Reitman Centre’s T.E.A.C.H. Program - Training, Education & Assistance for Caregiving at Home – Online Education
The TEACH program is a four-week program for care partners of persons living with dementia. It is an innovative therapeutic group intervention aimed at providing education and enhancing coping skills of care partners.
Date: Mondays – March 9, 16, 23, 30 2026, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Who Should Attend: Care partners of persons living with dementia
Click here for more information
Behaviour Changes Series – Part Two - Online Education
In Part One of this series, we enhanced our understanding of why behaviour changes may occur in dementia. In Part Two, we will build upon this knowledge to explore possible strategies for responding to common behaviour changes.
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia
Click here for more information
Tips for How To Access Our Online Education Sessions
If you would like to participate in our online programs, please:
- Use a computer, tablet or iPad to install Zoom Workplace (click here for instructions):
- On a computer, go to the Zoom Download Center to download and install the platform. It’s safe, easy and free!
- On an iPad, go to the App Store and install Zoom Workplace.
- On a tablet, go to the Google Play Store and install Zoom Workplace.
- Choose any online educational opportunity from the list below and click "Click here to register"
- You will be sent a confirmation email with the instructions for accessing your session.
- If you have questions about the Zoom platform, please email Sarah Cook (sarah@alzheimerjourney.ca) for more detailed instructions.
To watch our past online sessions, please check out our Video Resources page.
Video Resources
To watch our past online sessions, please check out our Video Resources page.