Public education in York Region

The Alzheimer Society of York Region helps change the stigma associated with a dementia diagnosis and raises awareness about people impacted by the disease. We do this through public education programs delivered across the region. Learn more.

Image of a brain

From courses for caregivers to learn how to manage behavior and communicate to information sessions on healthy brains, AS York offers information to help people navigate the dementia journey.

Learn about healthy brains, dementia and how to live well with talks and sessions hosted by the public education team. Contact Jaime Cruz:

 

The First Link Learning Series
for Family Care Partners

The First Steps for Persons Living with Dementia education series

The First Steps for Persons Living with Dementia Education Series is a five-week session that provides an overview of dementia for persons living with dementia. Sessions include what is dementia, adapting to brain changes, planning ahead and building a circle of support.

For more information, contact Lisa Kovacevic, First Link Coordinator, at 905-726-3477 ext. 229 or lkovacevic@alzheimer-york.com

First Steps for Care Partners education series

The First Steps for Care Partners Education Series is a four-week session that takes place over Zoom. Sessions including information about dementia, brain changes, planning ahead and building a circle of support.

For more information, contact Lisa Kovacevic, First Link coordinator, at 905-726-3477 ext. 229 or lkovacevic@alzheimer-york.com

 

Care Essentials for Caregivers education series

Care Essentials for Caregivers Education Series is a four-week session that takes place at various times and locations in York Region. Sessions include what to expect; communicating effectively; responding to changing behaviours; and supporting daily activities.

For more information, contact Jaime Cruz, public education coordinator at 905-726-3477 ext.232 or jcruz@alzheimer-york.com.

Options for Care education series

Options for Care is a Virtual Education Series Supporting the Increasing Care Needs of People living with Dementia.

Three sessions: 

Week 1 – When Care Needs Are Increasing

Week 2 – Long Term Care Decisions

Week 3 – Transitioning Care Roles.

For more information, please contact Jaime Cruz at jcruz@alzheimer-york.com or call 905-726-3477 ext.232.

Care in the Later Stages education series

Care in the Later Stages is a Virtual Education Session to help caregivers provide quality of life at the end of life for people living with dementia.

Three sessions: 

Session 1 – Preparing For The Later Stage

Session 2 – Care Strategies - Enhancing Quality Of Life

Session 3 – Taking Care Of You.

For more information please contact Jaime Cruz at jcruz@alzheimer-york.com or call 905-726-3477 ext.232.

U-First for Care Partners

U-First for Care Partners is a free program for all members of the care team supporting people with behavioural changes due to dementia or other cognitive impairment. U-First is a person-centred approach to looking at the whole person. 

Contact Jaime Cruz, public education coordinator, at jcruz@alzheimer-york.com or call 905-726-3477 ext. 232. 

The general public

The Alzheimer Society of York Region provide many opportunities to learn more about brain health and dementia. Popular topics include: Understanding Communication and Behavioural Changes; Supporting Your Community, Finding Your Way and The Dementia Umbrella. The Public Education Coordinator can tailor a topic to the audience.

These sessions are not just for caregivers but for anyone who wants to learn more about dementia.

The Public Education Coordinator can host talks in:

  • Libraries
  • Retirement homes
  • Community and Seniors Centres
  • Condo buildings
  • Adult DAY programs
  • Long-term care homes
  • Corporate buildings
  • Town offices
  • Conferences and health fairs
  • Post-secondary institutes
  • Support groups

 

Corporate information sessions

The Alzheimer Society of York Region offers corporate information sessions for companies interested helping their employees learn more about dementia, living well with the disease or healthy brains. Contact Jaime Cruz at jcruz@alzheimer-york.com or call 905-726-3477, ext. 232 for information.

Healthcare providers

The Public Education Team provides professional training programs including U-First, U-First Advanced and Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) for a fee.

Speakers

If you’re interested in hosting a speaker to talk about dementia, caregiving, research or advocacy, AS York has staff and volunteers who are willing to help. Contact Jaime Cruz at jcruz@alzheimer-york.com or call 905-726-3477, ext. 232, who can tailor a session based on your needs.