Online Programming

Zoom Instructions and Training

If you would like to participate in any of these on-line programs, please:

1. Use a computer, tablet or iPad to install Zoom (download instructions)

• On a computer, go to https://zoom.us/ and download and install the platform (top right corner, it’s safe, easy and free! May take about 5 minutes)
• On an iPad, go to the App Store and install "Zoom Cloud Meetings"
• On a tablet, go to the Google Play Store and install "Zoom Cloud Meetings"

1. Choose any on-line education/program that interests you and register using the link provided below
2. You will be sent a confirmation email with the instructions for accessing your class
3. If you have questions about the zoom platform, please email [email protected] for more detailed instructions

Zoom Practice Sessions

Join us to test your connection to Zoom and increase your comfort using the platform to connect with our programs. Explore features inside Zoom including using the chat box, renaming your display name, turning your video on and off, mute and un-mute, and display options.  Once you register you will be sent an email containing the link to the zoom session.  

• June 23, 2021 @ 10:00 am
• July 21, 2021 @ 10:00 am 
• August 26, 2021 @ 2 pm

Respite Recreation Hour

We invite everyone across Ontario to join us for a virtual variety show! Every Monday @ 11:00 am we will present fun and engaging activities such as:

• Trivia
• Word puzzles
• Games
• Reminiscent stories
• And much more!

Next Steps and Care Essentials

Next Steps and Care Essentials is a 4 part series offering an opportunity for families and friends of individuals with a diagnosis of dementia to learn more about dementia, develop caregiving strategies, and become familiar with community resources and supports.

• Part 1: Overview of Dementia, Diagnosis & Healthy Brain Strategies
• Part 2: Communication & Environmental Strategies 
• Part 3: Understanding & Managing Challenging Behaviours
• Part 4: Difficult Discussions, Role Changes & Self Care

Dates

• June 15, 17, 22, 24 from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
• July 27, 29 Aug. 3, 5 from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• September 13, 15, 20, 22  from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

U-First!

U-First! for Care Partners (please note this session is not intended for frontline service providers)

U-First! for Care Partners is an innovative education program for individuals who are supporting someone with behaviour changes due to dementia or cognitive impairment. This 8 hour education program is run in 3 weekly sessions.

It is recommended that participants have completed week one of the Next Steps & Care Essentials series, or attended a "What is Dementia?" presentation prior to attending this program. 

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

Upcoming session:

• August 31, September 7, 14 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm   

Caregiver Wellness

The Caregiver Wellness program provides social and educational opportunities through different workshops in the Staying Connected series.

• July 14, 2021 @ 10:00 am Dementia 101: Lewy Body Dementia
• August 18, 2021 @ 10:00 am Dementia 101: Frontotemporal Dementia

Options for Care

This workshop focuses on giving participants the opportunity to explore the care options that support persons living with dementia in the moderate to late stages of their journey.

• August 12, 2021 @ 1:30 am -3:30 pm 

Connections First

Join us for an interactive session that explores living well with or without memory changes. This program is open to persons concerned with normal aging, persons living with a diagnosis of dementia, care partners or anyone who just wants to learn about keeping their brain healthy and planning for the future.

• June 28, 2021 @ 1:00 pm
• July 26, 2021 @1:00pm

Other Education

• July 6, 2021 @ 6:30 pm Dementia Beyond Memory Loss: The 8 A's of Dementia
• August 10, 2021 @ 1:00 pm. Normal vs Not Normal Aging: A Teepa Snow Positive Approaches to Care Workshop

Brain Wave Café

Join us every Friday from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm for our Brain Wave Café - a fun social gathering using the Zoom platform!  Individuals living with cognitive change or dementia, care partners, family and friends are all welcome!  Stay connected with friends and meet some new ones as you participate in healthy brain activities together!  Note: you only need to register using the form once - the Zoom link you receive can be used week after week!

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group and Coffee Hour

Do you feel alone on your journey as a care partner to someone who is living with dementia?  Join other care partners for peer support and to learn new strategies that may help to decrease your stress. 

Each group will be facilitated by one of our counselling staff.  Please register below and an invite will be sent to you by email with instructions so that you can join us either by phone or Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm.

Evening Support Group

Do you feel alone on your journey as a care partner to someone who is living with dementia?  Join other care partners for peer support and to learn new strategies that may help to decrease your stress. 

Each group will be facilitated by one of our counselling staff.  Please register below and an invite will be sent to you by email with instructions so that you can join us either by phone or Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Men's Social & Support Group

Join us the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am - 11:30 am for a fun social gathering using the Zoom platform!  This online group is for male care partners of individuals living with dementia.  Each group will be facilitated by one of our counselling staff. 

Young Onset Dementia Care Partner Group

Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm using the Zoom platform!  This online facilitated group is intended to connect people who are caring for a person living with Young Onset Dementia (dementia diagnosed prior to age 65). The intent of the program is to offer a place where care partners of people living with Young Onset Dementia can access support and engage socially.

LTC Transitional Support Group

This 6 session weekly support group is designed specifically for care partners with a family member living in long-term care. Facilitated by our counselling staff, this series will help anyone having a challenging time during the period of social distancing and feeling disconnected from their family member and the long-term care facility.  

• Sessions are run based on demand from the community.  Please add yourself to our wait list by clicking the "register today" button below.  Once there is enough demand we will contact everyone on the wait list to discuss dates and confirm your interest.

Minds in Motion

Join us every Wednesday from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm to keep your mind & body healthy. The first hour will be filled with gentle guided exercises by Ros-Z from YMCA Niagara.  Then in the second hour you will participate in brain stimulating activities.  Socialize with your peers during this fun-filled afternoon! You only need to register using the form once - the Zoom link you receive can be used week after week!  Participants are welcome to join the group at 2:30 pm if they don't want to participate in the exercise portion.

Qigong Exercise Program

Back by popular demand - starting April 1, 2021! Join us every Monday and Thursday from 1pm - 2pm for Qigong facilitated by George Picard from the Village of Healing. Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique that involves meditation, controlled breathing and movement exercises.

Exercise is an important component to maintaining a healthy brain. Due to the fact that Qigong can be performed standing or sitting, it is a physical conditioning program that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The soft, slow, gentle movements of Qigong practice stimulate the body to increase muscular stability, flexibility, and range of motion around all joints of the body.

The Power of Music

Our new Power of Music program offers persons living with dementia the opportunity to engage in social activities that promote:

• Rhythm and Melody
• Sound and Harmony
• Dancing and Movement
• Reminiscing and Singing our favourite songs

Please join us Thursdays from 10:30 am to 12 noon and let the music take you away! This is a 6 week closed program and limited spots are available.  Please register using the link below.  Care partners are welcome to attend!

Program Dates: July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5, 12