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.

Learn

How To Access Our Virtual Education Sessions

If you would like to participate in our on-line programs, please:

  1. Use a computer, tablet or iPad to install Zoom (download instructions):
    • On a computer, go to https://zoom.us/ and download and install the platform. (Top right corner, it’s safe, easy and free! May take about 5 minutes.)
    • On an iPad, go to the App Store and install "Zoom Cloud Meetings".
    • On a tablet, go to the Google Play Store and install "Zoom Cloud Meetings".
  2. Choose any online educational opportunity from the list below and click "Click here to register"
  3. You will be sent a confirmation email with the instructions for accessing your session.
  4. 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.

Upcoming Virtual Education Sessions

SEPTEMBER VIRTUAL EDUCATION SESSIONS

You can view the list of upcoming sessions below, however if you would like to see our September & October Virtual Education Sessions all in one spot, click here to download our poster.  To see our November & December Virtual Education sessions all in one spot, click here to download our poster.

The Alzheimer Society: How We Can Help
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 2:30 – 3:30 pm

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!

Who Should Attend:  Open to everyone!

Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAuce2vqj4iG9zgTVseVlz_ZEJ0RLOgGt8w

 

An Overview of Dementia
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 10:30 am 

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.

Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ldu2rrTwuGtWeAFF-o594NMQEwNBX76eW

 

Meaningful Activities
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 10:30 am 

This presentation helps care partners of a person living with dementia in mid-to-late stages to develop and participate in meaningful activities. The goal is to provide practical ideas on how participants can spend quality time together by identifying and drawing upon the person’s remaining strengths.

Who Should Attend:  Care partners, family members, and friends of persons living with dementia

Link to Register:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAoc--opjstE9eErJr29-_ua2JzHmZQbLNO

 

OCTOBER VIRTUAL EDUCATION SESSIONS

Understanding and Addressing Late-Day Restlessness, Repetition, and Agitation
Monday, October 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm 

This presentation provides insights into understanding Late Day Restlessness, Repetition and Agitation in persons living with dementia and offers some helpful tips and strategies for addressing and coping with these responsive behaviours.

Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of persons living with dementia

Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcOqprD8jGNeMGeMd4Q0pjDmAXtCoEflz

 

Brain Changes in Dementia
Wednesday, October 23, 2024  at 10:30 am 

Understanding brain changes is an important part of supporting a person living with dementia, as many of the changes we see in-person are a result of the changes that we can’t see happening in the brain. In this session, we will take a closer look at the different parts of the brain, what they do and how they are impacted by dementia. We will also discuss how these brain changes contribute to what we see, day to day, while supporting a person living with dementia, as well as some tips and strategies for coping with the changes.

Who Should Attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia.

Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwuc-6hrjgoH9VQUXbtlGU0n-hHCjsvO-m_

 

NOVEMBER VIRTUAL EDUCATION SESSIONS

Recognizing & Reducing Caregiver Stress
Tuesday, November 5, 2024  at 10:30 am 

This education session helps caregivers to recognize the signs of stress and offers tips and strategies for reducing stress.

Who Should Attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia.

Link to Register:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcufu2hqzgtH9e-Cf67EK2WKkb1ooC1CIkq

 

DECEMBER VIRTUAL EDUCATION SESSIONS

Preparing for the Holidays
Wednesday, December 4, 2024  at 2:00 pm

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!

Who Should Attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia.

Link to Register:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvce-rqDkvGtQdL3FhV-SrD3SMnYZUA50z

If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Education Team:    

Shelby Barrie - Client Education Coordinator

Kris Van Luven  - Education Coordinator

Sarah Cook - Education & Social Programs Manager

Phone: (705) 748-5131 or 1-800-561-2588.    Please leave a voicemail at ext. 222.

We encourage you to visit the Video Resources section of our website to view recordings of our past Zoom education sessions!

Upcoming In-Person Education Opportunities​​​​​​

SEPTEMBER SESSIONS

What's It Like for EDIE? - A Virtual Reality Workshop for Care Partners
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 1:00 – 4:00 pm - 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.  

Who Should Attend:  Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.

 

What's It Like for EDIE? - A Virtual Reality Workshop for Care Partners
Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 1:00 – 4:00 pm - Haliburton

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.  

Who Should Attend:  Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.

Transitioning to Long-Term Care
Monday, September 30, 2024 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm - Cobourg

This education session is for care partners who are supporting someone living with dementia who is on the waitlist for long-term care and is planning to move to a long-term care home in the future. 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

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program.  Please see here for more information and registration details.

OCTOBER SESSIONS

What's It Like for EDIE? - A Virtual Reality Workshop for Care Partners
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Port Hope

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.  

Who Should Attend:  Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details.

Transitioning to Long-Term Care
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm - Lindsay

This education session is for care partners who are supporting someone living with dementia who is on the waitlist for long-term care and is planning to move to a long-term care home in the future. 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

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program.  Please see here for more information and registration details.

Be Prepared:  What Happens When a Person Living with Dementia Goes Missing 
Monday, October 28, 2024 at 1:30 – 3:30 pm - Peterborough

The person with dementia you're supporting can become lost no matter how careful you are, and it's not always possible to predict when it might happen. In this workshop, you will learn about the “Finding Your Way Ontario” initiative which is all about learning how to live safely with dementia. There are ways to lower the chance of going missing, by recognizing the risk and by being proactive by planning ahead.

Topics Covered Include:

  • Learning about the risk
  • Exploring the benefits of staying active in the community
  • Reducing the risk: Locating Devices, Vulnerable Persons Registry, Identification Strategies (ie: Medic Alert)
  • Having a plan: The Finding Your Way ID Kit

Who Should Attend: Care partners, friends, and family members of those living with dementia

This session is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program.  Please see here for more information and registration details. 

NOVEMBER SESSIONS

Applying to Long-Term Care  
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 9:30 am – 11:30 am - Campbellford

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.

Who Should Attend: Care partners who want to know more about applying to long-term care.

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program.  Please see here for more information and registration details.

 

Travel Talk: Tips for seniors, people living with dementia, and their care partners 
Monday, November 25, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 pm - Port Hope Public Library

This education session is offered in partnership with Lent Travel and Port Hope Public Library. It is open to everyone and is particularly suitable for those in the early stages of dementia who are interested in travelling and for care partners who are supporting someone living with dementia who may require additional considerations and accommodations to travel safely.

Topics Include:

  • General terms of (travel) contract
  • Insurance: things to think about when purchasing; difference between medical insurance and cancellation insurance
  • Travelling with accessibility/medical devices (ie: wheelchairs, oxygen tanks)
  • Types of trips
  • Navigating the airport
  • Guide to travel planning (where to start)
  • Travel Safe! Strategies for those living with dementia

Who Should Attend:  Open to everyone!

This session is offered FREE of charge. Registration is not required.  Please see here for more information and details.

DECEMBER SESSIONS

U-First!® for Care Partners Workshop – In-Person 2-Part Education Program
Tuesday, December 3 & Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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

Who Should Attend: Family and friends providing direct support to someone experiencing behaviour changes, as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment.

This workshop is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program.  Please see here for more information and details.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Education Team:    

Shelby Barrie - Client Education Coordinator

Kris Van Luven  - Education Coordinator

Sarah Cook - Education & Social Programs Manager

Phone: (705) 748-5131 or 1-800-561-2588.    Please leave a voicemail at ext. 222.

Upcoming Virtual First Link® Learning Series

There are no virtual learning series happening at this time.  Please check back for future virtual learning series offerings. 

Upcoming In-Person First Link® Learning Series

First Steps

Tuesdays, September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 2024 (October 8 is a back-up date if needed) at 9:30 am – 12:00 pm - 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.

Who Should Attend: Persons in the early stages of dementia; family members or friends.

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program.  Please see here for more information and registration details. 

Care Essentials

Mondays, October 21, 28 November 4, 11, 2024 (November 18 is a back-up date if needed) at 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm - Cobourg

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. 

Who Should Attend:  Family members and care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are invited to attend this learning series. 

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details. 

Care Essentials

Tuesdays, October 29, November 5, 12, 19, 2024 (November 26 is a back-up date if needed) at 10:00 am - 12:30 pm - 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. 

Who Should Attend:  Family members and care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are invited to attend this learning series. 

This series is offered FREE of charge, but spaces are limited. Registration is required for this program. Please see here for more information and registration details. 

 

If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Education Team:    

Shelby Barrie - Client Education Coordinator

Kris Van Luven  - Education Coordinator

Sarah Cook - Education & Social Programs Manager

Phone: (705) 748-5131 or 1-800-561-2588.    Please leave a voicemail at ext. 222.

Virtual Reality – Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE)

Staff wearing Virtual Reality headsets

Delivered in-person to your team or group, the Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a 3-hour workshop that 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 people to live well and more confidently with dementia.

Your organization’s staff or volunteers gain valuable insight into what it is like to live with dementia, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.  Workshop participants enhance their skills and build their confidence to improve service provision to clients, customers or patients living with dementia.

Workshop Objectives:

  • Experience the environment through the perspective of a person living with dementia
  • Identify support needs in partnership with the person living with dementia and their care partner(s)
  • Develop support strategies that focus on enabling a person to live more confidently with dementia
View of EDIE's living space
Navigate through Edie's house in first-person, as a person living with dementia & experiencing symptoms.

Fee Information:

  • Group Rate (15 Participants) $1500.00 ($100 per person)
  • Not-for-Profit Rate (15 Participants) $1200.00 ($80.00 per person)

 

 

 

* Please note:  At this time, we can only facilitate EDIE workshops that take place within our Society’s catchment area (within Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton Counties in Ontario, Canada).

For more information, or if you are interested in registering for Enabling EDIE workshops for your workplace, group or organization, please submit your details here. We will contact you to answer your questions, organize a training session, or to help you determine if this workshop is right for your group.

Staff wearing Virtual Reality headsets during a workshop

Video Resources

To watch our past online sessions, please check out our Video Resources page.