Programs and Services

The following education and/or support programs and services are provided by the Perth County Chapter. For more information or to arrange for one of our programs, please contact the chapter at 519-271-1910.

(click on the program links below for more information)

• Advanced Care Planning

  A program designed to assist individuals living with dementia and their partners in care making long-term decisions/care plans for personal health and finances. Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care are addressed.

• Alzheimer- First Link Learning Series for Caregivers

  The AIS-C is a twelve-hour course offered over a number of sessions for family caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer Disease or related dementia. There is a $30 registration fee, which covers materials and includes a one-year chapter membership (tax receipt for $15 will be issued). Pre-registration for this course is required. Contact the society office for upcoming sessions.

• Alzheimer Information Series for Professionals (AIS-P)

  The AIS-P is a 10-hour course for professional caregivers. The series offers a comprehensive overview of Alzhiemer Disease and related dementia, intervention techniques, communication strategies, simulation activities, stress and burnout, and other workplace issues. There is a $30 registration fee, which covers materials and includes a one-year individual chapter membership (tax receipt for $15 will be issued). Pre-registration for this course is required.

• Caregiver Support and Education Groups

  These groups are available for caregivers in Perth County. Join others to learn about the disease and share tips for coping. Everyone is welcome.

• e-learning

  Join the growing number of professional caregivers who are a part of our monthly e-mail based education series. Simply contact the society and you can be added to our monthly mail out list. You will receive a new education fact sheet, research update or other interactive learning opportunity each month that can be reviewed at your computer when you have the time. Stay on top of current advances as well as refresh you knowledge of Alzheimer Disease and related dementia without a large time commitment.

• Enhancing Care

  A program designed for care facilities to review their current standards of care. The program identifies key strengths, weaknesses, and areas of concern and develops strategies for improving care practices. Enhancing care utilizes a forward thinking, person centered approach and requires representation from all levels of the organization. There is a program fee of $25 per participant to cover materials.

• Family and Individual Support Program/Just Between Us Program

  Confidential individual and family support services are available at the office or in your home. Call the society to schedule a time to meet with one of our support staff or drop by the office during business hours. The Just Between Us Program offers a supportive and educational series for individuals in the early stages of the disease process. An intake interview is required prior to attending this group.

• First Link

• A program offered in cooperation with Huron and Grey-Bruce Counties, Alzheimer Society of Ontario and local physicians and healthcare providers. First Link offers individuals and their families an opportunity to access a variety of dementia-related services with one phone call. Contact the society office for details.

• Gentle Persuasive Approach in Dementia Care (GPA)

  Developed for professional caregivers, the GPA program utilizes role-plays, focus groups, didactic mini-lectures, experiential exercises, case studies, and videotapes. The program is offered in four modules, completed over a 7.5-hour day. The modules begin with an introductory look at self-reflection, person-centered care, and the needs of an individual with dementia. The second module covers the brain and behaviour, which provides an understanding of the effects of the disease on the brain and why the “behaviours” may be occurring. The third module examines the interpersonal environment – looking at interpreting behaviour, searching for meaning, and effective communication. The final module incorporates materials learned in the first three modules and provides the learner with hands-on techniques for intervention to be used when all other de-escalation techniques have been unsuccessful. This program emphasizes a team approach. The GPA curriculum compliments the current PIECES philosophy in long term care homes and this training is offered in partnership between the Alzheimer Society of Perth County and the Psychogeriatric Resource Consultants. Booking a GPA session can be done through the society office.

• Grade 4 Program

  A program designed for school children to promote awareness of and acceptance for persons living with Alzheimer Disease in their community. This program is a fun and interactive learning opportunity that is offered in the classroom.

• In-service Education

  Over 35 complimentary in-service education sessions are available for professional caregivers. A variety of topics area available and can be tailored to meet the needs of your group. An in-service map has been created to assist with scheduling. Contact Laura to receive a copy of the education map.

• L.I.F.E. Experience (Living Inside the Frail Elderly)

  The L.I.F.E. Experience is offered through a partnership with the Specialized Geriatric Services of Perth County. This experience is a hands-on sensitivity education session that provides a sense of the daily challenges faced by individuals living with dementia. An excellent learning opportunity. Contact Laura for more information.

• Resource Centre

  The resource centre, located at the society office, offers individuals, families (including children and teens specific information), and professionals a wide range of information regarding Alzheimer Disease and related dementias. Books, CD’s, videotapes, magazines, pamphlets, brochures, audiotapes, and sensory stimulation items are available to borrow at no charge.

• Safely Home – Wandering Persons Registry

  Safely Home is a national program designed to protect persons at risk of becoming lost. A comprehensive physical description of the registered individual is stored in a confidential database and is shared with search and rescue and law enforcement personnel. Participants receive a bracelet and ID cards. A one-time fee of $35.00 applies. Registration forms are available at our society office.

• Secondary School Program

  An educational initiative for secondary school students, the program offers several components and can be tailored to anatomy, biology, individuals and families in diverse society, parenting and other secondary level curriculum.

• Speakers Bureau

  The society can provide guest speakers upon request to speak at meetings or other gatherings. A wide variety of topics are available and can be tailored to your group.

• Special Steps Walking Program

  Special Steps is a partnership program between the Society and V.O.N. Perth- Huron. This program offers companionship and exercise to the individual with the disease and respite for the caregiver. Trained volunteers are matched with individuals in the early stages of dementia to promote physical fitness through walking as well as socialization. This service is offered at no charge. To arrange for a match, contact the Special Steps Coordinator at the society office. Volunteer application forms for the Special Steps program area available at the society office or the VON Perth Huron website.

• Staff Support-Case Based

  The Education & Family Support Co-ordinator is available to facilitate case-based discussion and learning for professional care staff working in long-term care/retirement homes, or community care agencies. The sessions encourage pro-active problem solving, help to prevent burnout and turnover, and provide staff with the opportunity to learn from one another. Call Laura to schedule a session.