Programs and Services

First Link Navigation

Our First Link Care Navigators provide a direct connection to a wide variety of services and supports offered through the Alzheimer Society and within the community. 

Learn more about our First  Link Navigation Program HERE
View the First Link referral form for ASHPE HERE 

Information & Education

We are committed to offering education to people living with dementia and their care partners. Education is also available to professionals and the general public. Below are some upcoming free learning opportunities happening virtually! 

First Link Learning Series

The First Link Learning Series offers a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, resources and support systems. Throughout the series participants are offered the opportunity to share and connect with others embarking on the dementia journey. Contact us to be notified up upcoming sessions! 

First Link – First Steps for Care Partners

This course of the First Link Learning Series provides an introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and is intended for the care partners, family members and friends of individuals with dementia. Topics covered include: types of dementia, changes in the brain, coping strategies, planning for the future, managing risks and community resources.
 

First Link – Care Essentials

This course for family caregivers and care partners other problem solving strategies related to communication, responsive behaviours, caregiver burnout and expected changes in mid-stage progression of the illness.
 

First Link – Options for Care

This course for family caregivers and care partners assists the participants to evaluate their current caregiving needs and explore other available care options, including in-home care, adult day programs and long-term care.
 

First Link – Care in the Later Stages

This course helps family caregivers and care partners understand what to expect in the later stages of dementia. This module will also explore how participants can provide comfort to the person as well as review the experiences of grief and loss.
Contact us to be notified up upcoming sessions! 

U-First for Care Partners Course

U-First!® for Care Partners is a new education program for family and friends who are providing direct support to someone experiencing behaviour changes as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment.

This 6 hour (three x 2 hour sessions) education program will help you to:

• Enhance well-being of care partners and of the person they are supporting who is experiencing behaviour changes
• Reduce responsive behaviours by using the U-First!® framework
• Improve collaboration among all team members through a common knowledge, language and approach to care. 

Who Should Attend?

U-First!® for Care Partners is for family and friends of people experiencing behaviour changes as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment who provide direct support for that person in an unpaid role. 

What’s involved in the program?

• Interactive learning approach that has participants reflect on their experiences, engage with new content, practice using a variety of methods including case studies and plan for how they will implement what they have learned.
• Learners receive a Participant Workbook and a U-First!® Wheel to use during the program and keep as useful resources for applying their learning.
   
• CONTACT US FOR THE NEXT UPCOMING SESSION OR TO BE ADDED TO THE WAIT LIST !

[email protected]

Individual & Family Support

Connect with an Education and Support Coordinator to receive support working through individual situations as well as individual/group education sessions. Our team can also provide resources, handouts, and information on specialized programming available.

Social and Support Programs

Check out  Virtual support and social program options including Memory café, Minds in Motion, and Support Groups. Contact our team to register and find out what groups and opportunities are best for you, and to find out the current status of your group.
(All groups are either by Zoom or phone, or in person outdoors as indicated. All groups subject to change.)

MEMORY CAFE: By attending a Memory Café by Zoom or calling in, people living with memory loss and those who care about them can come together and socialize in a safe and engaging environment. 

Memory Café with Sharon Osvald
3rd Wednesday of the month, 10 am—noon
[email protected]  

Tyendinaga Memory Café with Lorraine Ross
Last Thursday of the month 2 pm—4 pm
[email protected] 

Memory Café with with Sharon Brewster
The 2nd Monday of the month, 10:30—noon 
[email protected] 
 

SUPPORT GROUPS: Check out our various support groups to connect with peers, gain knowledge and strategies to manage challenges, and to develop a social network of support. The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward currently offers 15 free community support groups per month with a variety of days and times available to fit your schedule. Contact us to help you find the best fit. 

Caregiver Support Group - Quinte West Area
4th Thursday of the month, 1pm -2:30 pm 
[email protected]  

Caregiver Support Group - Wellington Area
First Thursday of the month 2 pm - 3:30 pm
[email protected]

  
Spousal Support Group - Bancroft Area
First Wednesday of the month 1 - 2:30 pm
Corner Cafe
[email protected]

Caregiver Support Group – Centre Hastings
Centre Hastings Arts Centre  
3rd Wednesday of the month, 10:00 - 11:30 
[email protected]

Friends of Bancroft Support Group 
3rd Tuesday of the month 10am– noon
[email protected]

    
Mixed Support Group for Caregivers - All Areas
First Thursday of the month, 10 am—noon 
[email protected] 

Women's Support Group - All Areas
3rd Thursday of the month, 10—noon
[email protected] 

Men's Caregiver Support Group - All Areas
3rd Friday of month 9:30-11:30 am 
[email protected]

Evening Caregiver Support Group ☾ - All Areas
Last Tuesday of the month, 5:30 pm—7:30 pm 
[email protected]  

Evening Caregiver Support Group ☾ - All Areas
2nd Thursday Evening of the month, 6 pm—8 pm
[email protected]

   
Caregivers of Parents Support Group - All Areas
Last Tuesday of the month 4 - 6 pm
[email protected] 

Caregivers of Parents Support Group - Centre Hastings
2nd Tuesday of Month 1-3pm
[email protected]

Caregiver Support Group - Prince Edward County
3rd Wednesday of the month, 1 pm—3 pm
[email protected]  

Couples Support Group - Prince Edward County
Second Monday of the month 1 pm – 3pm
 [email protected]  

Caregiver Support Group - Quinte West 
The 3rd Monday of the month, 1 pm—3 pm
Virtual Meeting on Zoom
[email protected] 

Spousal Caregiver Support Group - Centre Hastings
3rd Tuesday of the month 1-3 pm
[email protected]

Public Awareness

Our team is dedicated to educating the public and removing the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Each year we host 100+ education sessions and information booths in the community. For more information, please contact Public Education Coordinator Jennifer Loner at [email protected]

NEW - PEC Community Safety Program - Free training and local awareness activities
To receive resources, book a presentation or build a training for your organization contact us today. This opportunity funded by the Stark Family Fund through the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area with support from The County Foundation

NEW - Community Safety & Wellness Days HPE - Public learning sessions 
Check back for 2022 Community Safety & Wellness Day events in Belleville, Madoc, Quinte West and more - with hybrid virtual learning opportunities also available on Zoom. Join our E-Newsletter today to stay up to date on all upcoming public events. These special wellness days funded by the Government of Ontario

STAY CONNECTED - sign up for our Montly E-Newsletter (Opt out any time)
JOIN HERE
 

Did you know? 
The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward is only 40% funded by the Ministry of Health? This means ASHPE relies on donations, grants, and community support to continue providing our services. Thank you to all supporters who allow us to continue our special programs and services throughout the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic. 

2021 SUPPORTERS:

Prince Edward County Municipal Grant Program, The County Foundation
PEC Education & Support Programs

The Stark Family Fund, Community Foundation for Kingston & Area:
PEC Community Safety Education Program 

The RTOERO Foundation:
RTOERO DFC Volunteer Project, Jan 2022

The Kay Stafford Fund, Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation:
Kay Stafford Caregiver Education Day 2021

The City of Belleville Social Infrastructure Grant 2021:
Belleville & Area Social Recreation Programs

HPE Dementia Friendly Communities Program, 2018-2021:
The Ontario Trillium Foundation