We Can Help
Education
We offer a variety of education workshops and information sessions for persons with dementia and their care partners, health professionals and the general community. Speaking engagements can also be arranged for community groups, schools and businesses within Perth County.
Education programs are grouped into the following areas:
• Persons with Dementia, Family and Friends
• Health Professionals
• Community Groups, Schools & Businesses
• Public Awareness & General Interest
For further information about the Education Program, contact
our Education Coordinator.
PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA, FAMILY AND FRIENDS
First Link® Learning Series
The First Link® Learning Series is made up of five distinct courses that are progressive in nature. Each course builds upon the other to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, resources and support systems. These courses are facilitated by staff and feature various community partners as guest speakers.
The five courses that make up the learning series are:
(please note only First Steps is offered for the person with dementia)
1. First Steps for People with Dementia and Caregivers
This series is to help people newly diagnosed with a dementia and their care partners understand their diagnosis and the changes they experience. It offers participants an opportunity to share and connect with others. Topics covered within this course include:
• What is dementia
• Memory loss and changes to the brain
• Coping strategies
• Drugs and treatments
• Future planning
• Community resources
2. Next Steps for Families and Friends
This series will offer family members and friends caring for persons with dementia an overview of dementia. The topics discussed in this series will be much the same as those listed above under First Steps.
3. Care Essentials
This series will offer family members and friends caring for persons with dementia problem solving strategies, approaches for communication and available avenues for support, all of which can strengthen their ability to provide care. Topics discussed will include:
• Progression of dementia
• Understanding behaviour
• Day to day care
• Community resources
4. Options for Care
This series is to help family members and friends caring for persons with dementia to evaluate their current care giving needs and explore other possible care options, including long term care. Topics discussed include:
• Where to turn when care needs are increasing
• Long Term Care- how the system works
• Coping with change - how to make the transition
5. Care in the Later Stages
This series is to help family members and friends of persons with dementia understand what to expect in the later stages of the disease. The series will explore how participants can provide comfort to the person as well as review the experiences of grief and loss. Topics discussed include:
• Natural course of the later stages
• How to recognize pain and distress
• How to provide care that promotes dignity, comfort and quality of life.
Children's Program
Alzheimer's disease affects the entire family. The Society's programs are provided for care partners of all ages. We have books, videos and information for children and teens. Remember Me is an educational program that provides information and support to children aged 7 to 13 years.
EDUCATION/TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS
>In-Services
The Alzheimer Society of Perth County offers educational in-services to staff in long-term care homes, retirement homes and community agencies. Sessions are designed with the goal of increasing knowledge and understanding of the various care issues related to supporting a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
• Overview of Dementia
• A Look at Alzheimer's Disease
• Understanding the Connection between Brain and Behaviour
• Communication with the Person with Dementia
• Responsive Behaviours in Dementia
• Research Update
• Head's Up (Maintaining Brain Health)
• Advance Care Planning
• Family education: visiting, transition, loss
Contact our Education
Coordinator to request one or more of these sessions.
Standardized Workshops
U-First!
A Training and Education program designed for unregulated health care providers who are involved in supporting persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)
GPA is an educational program that our Education Coordinator is certified to offer to staff of Long Term Care Homes. The program's focus is on respecting the person with dementia as an individual, understanding the disease process and utilizing supportive care strategies that are compassionate and effective. The curriculum provides staff with the skill and confidence to respond respectfully to responsive behaviours of a more escalated nature associated with dementia.
COMMUNITY GROUPS, SCHOOLS & BUSINESSES
The Alzheimer Society of Perth County offers education presentations to businesses, schools and community groups. These sessions are flexible and designed to meet your group's needs e.g. formal presentation or a more informal information, question and answer session; daytime or evening; 20 minutes or an hour. Topics can be customized to the group's interests and range from:
• Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
• Put Your Mind To It - Understanding Brain Health and Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer's
• Supporting a Person with Alzheimer's and their Family
• Recent Research and Treatment Update
• Programs and Services of the Alzheimer Society of Perth County
If your group is interested in a presentation, please contact
the Education Coordinator.
School Program
This program was created to raise awareness of the disease within the community. The program:
• Was developed for students in grades 4 and 5.
• Discusses brain function and how it is affected by Alzheimer's disease.
• Provides accurate information about the disease.
• Involves student participation in memory, communication and judgment activities.
• Is facilitated by an Alzheimer Society staff member.
• Is approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length.
• Is available at no cost to the school.
Many schools coordinate this program with the Alzheimer Society's
"Penny for Your Thoughts"
coin campaign, and participate by challenging classrooms or other schools
to see who can collect the most pennies. These programs, in combination,
are a great way for students to learn about Alzheimer's disease, as
well as contribute to their community.
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND GENERAL INTEREST
The Alzheimer Society of Perth County organizes open public information sessions. These forums are held throughout the year, with a particular focus during Alzheimer Awareness Month in January. Sessions focus on providing an overview of Alzheimer's disease, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, risk factors, and research.
Resource Centre
The Chapter Resource Centre includes a comprehensive collection of books, professional journals, pamphlets, information sheets, videos, DVDs and audio tapes about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Resource Centre is open during regular office hours, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
