Dementia Education in Grey-Bruce

The Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce offers education programs and services to help people living with dementia, care partners, and families better understand dementia.

Programs cover topics such as understanding dementia, communication strategies, changes in behaviour, planning, and adapting to brain changes. Specialized programs, including the First Link Learning Series, provide practical information and support throughout the dementia journey.

Participants gain knowledge, tools, and confidence to make informed decisions, support quality of life, and navigate care options. Education sessions also offer a welcoming space to connect with others who may be having similar experiences.

General Public Presentations

Our Public Education Coordinator is available to provide educational presentations for organizations, businesses, community groups, and other community partners. Presentations can be tailored to meet the specific interests and needs of your group.

To learn more or request a presentation, please contact us at 519-376-7230 or email [email protected].

Topics may include:

Alzheimer Society Grey Bruce Programs and Services
Dementia Overview
Brain Health
Dementia-Friendly Communities

We welcome the opportunity to work with your organization to provide meaningful education and support to our community.

Memory & Aging Program

The Memory and Aging Program is aimed at people of retirement age or older who are interested in learning about memory changes that normally occur with age and strategies to improve their everyday memory performance.

Developed through the Baycrest Health Science Centre.

The Memory and Aging Program consists of four weekly two-hour sessions and addresses questions such as:

What kinds of memory changes should I expect as I grow older?
Which changes are normal and which ones are not?
If I forget, is something wrong with my brain?
Can I improve my memory?

Course Dates and Times:

Thursday, October 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 https://zoom.us/meeting/register/i3v5sYCKQAiiVHm7cL49TQ

Please register by calling the Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce at 519 376 7230 or 1 800 265 9013.

(A minimum of 6 registrants is required to run this series. Maximum number of 20)

To cover the costs associated with the program materials, the participant is required to contribute $20 per couple.

Facilitator: Sandra Hong, Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce

Education for Individuals Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Learning the Ropes for Mild Cognitive Impairment^TM

"Learning the Ropes for Mild Cognitive Impairment" aims to empower individuals with MCI and their support network to make informed lifestyle choices, enhance memory skills, and provide psychological support in a group setting, fostering a positive and proactive approach to managing cognitive health.

"Learning the Ropes for Mild Cognitive Impairment" is a comprehensive learning series developed by Baycrest Toronto, designed to support cognitive health through lifestyle choices, memory training, and psychological support. This program is specifically tailored for individuals diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and encourages the active involvement of their family members or supportive friends who can attend all sessions.

Participants must be aged 50 years or older and be willing to actively participate in a group setting and complete assigned homework.

Exclusions from the program include individuals with a diagnosis of dementia or those experiencing memory impairment caused by other factors with an expected recovery, such as a recent head injury or early stroke.

The program consists of a structured 6-week curriculum. Throughout the program and follow-up period, all participants are registered with the Alzheimer Society to ensure access to additional resources and support.

Content:

Education about MCI and lifestyle factors for promoting cognitive health and reducing the risk of dementia
Memory training involving practical strategies aimed at improving everyday remembering
Family support focused on discovering approaches for effectively living with a relative experiencing MCI

Course dates and times:

Tuesday, June 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (note: 5 weeks)
Tuesday, October 27, November 3, 10, 17. 24. December 1, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Please register by calling the Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce at 519 376 7230 or 1 800 265 9013.

To cover the costs associated with the program materials, the participant is required to contribute $20 per couple.

Facilitator: Sandra Hong, Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce

Education for the Person Living with Dementia and Their Care Partner

The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce has been a leader in dementia education in Grey and Bruce counties since 1986. The Society educates caregivers through the First Link^® Learning Series and by providing additional educational materials.

The Society offers many great resources to help caregivers address the issues they face in their caregiving roles. Resources available are listed below.

The Society offers the First Link^® Learning Series for people caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

First Link^® Learning Series

What is the First Link Learning Series?

The First Link Learning Series (FLLS) is a progressive learning series for people living with dementia and their partners in care to learn with and from each other, strategies for living well with their diagnosis and/or their role as a care partner. It is designed to promote peer support and empowerment.

The FLLS consists of 5 unique series offered over the course of the dementia journey (learning in time and over time as content is relevant to learners’ situation). Each series consists of several Modules relevant to that stage in their lives.

Content Outline

The Learning Series offers “In-time” learning (i.e., participants attend when they are at or approaching a stage where topics covered in the given series are relevant to their situation (e.g., Care Essentials toward middle stages when difficulty with ADLs and responsive behaviours are a concern).

The five courses that make up the learning series are:

First Steps for persons living with dementia and care partners
First Steps for Care Partners
Care Essentials
U-First! for Care Partners
Options for Care
Care in the Later Stages

First Steps for People Living with Dementia and their Care Partners

Target Learners

People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia:

Who is in the early stages
Who can understand and appreciate the content of the material
Who are willing to attend, with awareness that participants will discuss their experience

With one or two care partners of that person, if they choose.

Alternatives: In the process of diagnosis (probable)

A “Discussion Guide for First Link Learning Series Registration” is a tool to help determine whether First Steps is a good fit for the person living with dementia who is interested.

Content

Module 1 – What is Dementia?

Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Module 2 - Adapting to Brain Changes

Changes to the Brain
Adapting to Change
Maximizing Brain Health

Module 3 – Planning Ahead

Managing Risk
Legal Planning -Grey Bruce Legal Clinic
Financial Planning

Module 4 – Building a Circle of Support

Recognizing Stress
Managing Stress
Building a Circle of Support

Course Dates and Times:

Thursday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday, October 28, November 4, 11, 18, 2026 from 10:00 am -12:00 pm

First Steps for Care Partners

Target Learners

Care partners of someone who has been diagnosed with dementia. Content is very similar to First Steps for People Living with Dementia; however, from a Care Partner perspective for those where the person with dementia is either unable or not interested in attending.

Alternatives:

In the process of diagnosis (probable);
Has already attended First Steps for People Living with Dementia and their Care Partners as a care partner but wants an opportunity to talk about the topics more from the perspective of the care partner.

Content

The content of the First Steps for Care Partners series is very much aligned with that of First Steps for People Living with Dementia and their Care Partners. The content and facilitation of dialogue are geared to the care partner perspective rather than the perspective of the person living with dementia.

Module 1 – What is Dementia?

Learning Series Overview
Symptoms
Experience of Dementia
Being a Care Partner

Module 2 – Adapting to Brain Changes

Changes to the Brain
Adapting to Change
Drug Treatment
Maximizing Brain Health

Module 3 – Planning Ahead

Assessing & Managing Risk
Advance Care Planning- Grey Bruce Legal Clinic
Managing Finances

Module 4 – Building a Circle of Support

Recognizing Stress
Managing Stress
Building a Circle of Support

Course Dates and Times:

Tuesday, August 11, 18, 25, September 1, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Evening Sessions:

Tuesday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Care Essentials

Target Learners

Care partners of people living with dementia, who are at or approaching a stage where the topics covered will be relevant to their situation (i.e., toward middle stages when difficulty with Activities of Daily Living and behaviour changes may be a concern).

Content

Module 1 – What to Expect

Getting Started
Progression of Dementia
8 A’s of Dementia
Remaining Abilities

Module 2 – Communicating Effectively

Communication Changes in Dementia
Nonverbal Communication
Strategies for Effective Communication

Module 3 – Responding to Behaviour Changes

Whole PERSON Care
What is Changing (Responsive Behaviours)
Problem Solving Strategies
Finding Solutions

Module 4 – Supporting Daily Activities

Meaningful Activity
Leisure Activity
Activities of Daily Living
Supports and Resources

Course Dates and Times:

Wednesday, August 12, 19, 26, September 2, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday, November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Evening Session:

Tuesday, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Options for Care

Target Learners

Care partners of people living with dementia, who are at or approaching a stage where the topics covered will be relevant to their situation (i.e., when more supports are needed at home or long-term care is being considered).

Content

Module 1 – Legal aspects of home care, retirement, and Long-Term Care

With Staff Lawyer, Grey Bruce Legal Clinic

Module 2 – Getting Started: Long-Term Care Decisions

Increasing Needs
Knowing When More Help is Needed
At Home Care Options
Making the Decision
Long-term Care Options
Accessing Long-term Care
Finding the “Right” Place

Module 3 – Transitioning Care Roles

Preparing for the Move
Moving in
After the Move: Settling In

Course Dates and Times:

Tuesday, October 6, 13, 20, 2026 from 10:00 - 12:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8, 15, 22, 2026 from 10:00 - 12:00 pm

Care in the Later Stages

Target Learner

Care partners of people living with dementia, who are at or approaching a stage where the topics covered will be relevant to their situation (i.e., dementia is more advanced and care needs are significant).

Content

Week 1 – Preparing for the Later Stages

Getting Started
Changes in the Late Stages
Palliative vs End of Life Care
Changes at the End of Life
Making Decisions for the Later Stages

Week 2 – Late-Stage Care Strategies

Meeting Needs in the Later Stages
Identifying Pain & Discomfort
Providing Comfort
Enhancing Quality of Life

Week 3 – Taking Care of You

Grief
Self-Care
Finding Strengths
Celebrating Life

Course Dates and Times:

Wednesday, October 7, 14, 21, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Evening Session:

Wednesday, November 4, 11, 18, 2026 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm

U-First! for Care Partners

This 3-week series for care partners (family and friends) of people living with dementia or other cognitive impairment with behaviour changes is designed to increase Care Partner confidence and capacity.

Learn about:

Understand the behaviour changes in a person with dementia
Flag possible changes seen in the person,
Interact with skill and understanding
Reflect and report the behaviour
Support the person with dementia.
Team involvement in caring for the person with dementia.

Course Dates and Times:

Thursday, August 13, 20, 27 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thursday, December 3, 10, 17 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Facilitator: Sandra Hong, Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce

Education for Healthcare Professionals

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care
Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) is a 7.5-hour evidence-based education session designed for team members who care for older adults who display responsive behaviours associated with dementia. GPA is taught across Canada to care providers in a variety of sectors. Learners complete four modules that include interactive exercises, creative multimedia, and reflective learning activities. Participants gain practical knowledge and develop skills that can be immediately applied at the point of care.

For more information, individuals can contact the Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce at (519) 376-7230 or by email at [email protected].

U-First! for Healthcare Professionals
U-First! is an innovative and unique training program that helps frontline staff develop a common knowledge base, language, values, and approach to caring for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The program focuses on understanding the person living with dementia and associated behaviour changes, while working collaboratively as a team to develop individualized support strategies.

Benefits of the program include:

Identifying supportive care strategies tailored to the individual
Increasing awareness of the causes of responsive behaviours and how to respond safely and effectively
Building confidence in caring for people living with dementia
Reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction for individuals and team members

For more information regarding U-First!, individuals can be directed to the U-First! website here.

Government Resources

Canada Benefits -- Connecting You to Government Benefits: This site offers Canadian citizens government-wide information about financial benefit programs for individuals. Of particular interest may be the pages for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans.
Canadian Health Network: The Canadian Health Network (CHN) is a growing network, bringing together resources of leading Canadian health organizations and international health information providers. The resources identified here will help you take care of yourself and the people you care about -- with tips on how to improve your health and well-being.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC): The "disability amount" on your income tax return reduces the amount of income tax that a person with a disability, or their supporting person, might otherwise have to pay. Visit the Government of Canada website for more information about this and about medical expenses you can claim.
Division of Aging and Seniors: Health Canada's Division of Aging and Seniors website, with information on federal programs, statistics on aging in Canada, and more.
Human Resources and Social Development Canada: HRSDC's mission is to build a stronger and more competitive Canada, to support Canadians in making choices that help them live productive and rewarding lives, and to improve Canadians' quality of life.

Resources for Family Caregivers

Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario. From Home to Retirement Home: A Guide for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia.
Bowlby Sifton, Carol. Navigating the Alzheimer's Journey: A Compass for Caregiving. Health Professions Press, 2004. ISBN 1-932529-04-7. www.healthpropress.com.
Mace, Nancy L., and Rabins, Peter V. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006 (4th ed.). ISBN 0-8018-4034-1. www.press.jhu.edu.
Mindszenthy, Bart and Gordon, Michael. Parenting your Parents: Support Strategies for Meeting the Challenge of Aging in the Family. Dundurn Press, 2005 (2nd ed.). ISBN 1-55002-380-2. www.dundurn.com.
Tapp-McDougall, Caroline. The Complete Canadian Eldercare Guide. John Wiley Canada, 2004. ISBN 0- 470-83449-8. http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA.