Find Support in Muskoka

Drop-ins for caregivers & persons living with dementia

• Bracebridge - 1:00-3:00 PM every Wednesday at Knox Presbyterian Church
• Huntsville - 1:00-3:00 PM every Wednesday at Trinity United Church
• Parry Sound - 10:00 AM -12:00 PM every Tuesday at 125 William Street

Caregiver support groups

Support groups offer an informal setting for caregivers to share experiences. A support group can give you a place to talk with other caregivers who understand the disease and know just what you’re going through.

• Bracebridge - 10:00-11:30 AM on the 2^nd Thursday of each month at the VON, 34 EP Lee Dr. (respite available)
• Huntsville - 1:30-3:00 PM on the 4^th Thursday of each month at Trinity United Church
• Gravenhurst - 1:30-3:00 PM on the 1^st Thursday of each month at Granite Ridge Retirement Residence (respite available)
• Parry Sound - 1:30-3:00 PM on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 125 William St. (respite available)

Minds in Motion

Minds in Motion® is an 8-week fitness and social program for those with early stage dementia and a friend, family member or caregiver.

Watch a short video about Minds in Motion.

Dates and locations vary with each session. For more information or to register contact the Minds in Motion Coordinator at [email protected] or call 705-645-5621.

Congregate dining program (Company of Good Cheer)

Company of Good Cheer is for caregivers, people with dementia, family friends and neighbours to come together once a month for dinner, support, understanding and lots of good humour. These are offered once a month in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville.

• Bracebridge - 5:00 PM on the 4^th Thursday of each month (call Derek Bennett @705-645-3721 for location)
• Huntsville - 5:00 PM on the 1^st Thursday of each month (call Linda McElroy @ 705-636-5201 for location)
• Gravenhurst - 5:00 PM on the 2^nd Thursday of each month (call Mary Anne @ 705-687-2913 for location)

Individual support

To help you navigate through the changes, whether you are a person with dementia, a family member, or caregiver, we have created a number of brochures with details about what to expect.

For people who have been newly diagnosed with a form of dementia:

If you are newly diagnosed, we strongly recommend that you visit us for information about counseling, programs and services, and support.

Other Useful Online Resources:

• First Steps outlines a step-by-step plan to help people who are newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• What to Expect gives an overview of the stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Shared Experiences is a brochure with advice written by people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

For caregivers and family members:

There are many ways caregivers and family members can get the support they need. Whether you’re looking for advice, someone to listen, or general information, there is a level of support for whatever you need.

One of our highly experienced support counselors can help you talk through your feelings and concerns in a more intimate setting. We are a great resource for local support and services.

Other Useful Online Resources:

• First Steps: For Families of Those Recently Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease outlines steps family members can take to prepare for the Alzheimer’s journey ahead.
• Reducing Caregiver Stress provides suggestions to support caregivers in giving the best possible care and also to take care of themselves