Education Opportunities
We offer various learning opportunities to help families and friends continue to enhance their knowledge of dementia. These sessions will be hosted by an Alzheimer Society staff member either in-person or online.
Online Webinars
Our online webinars offer engaging, informative sessions on a wide range of topics related to dementia and caregiving that you can access from the comfort of your own home.
Webinars are open to the public. You do not need to be a registered client to attend. To register, simply click on the link to register for any session that interests you below:
► Making the Decision: Considering the Right Time for Long-Term Care
This online presentation reviews various factors to consider when making the decision about the right time for long-term care. This presentation also explores waitlists and the various emotions involved while making the decision.
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026 – 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners who are starting to consider the move to a residential care setting that can provide more care than they can manage at home.
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Applying to Long-Term Care
This online education session is designed to help care partners understand the process of applying to long-term care. The process of applying to long-term care can seem overwhelming. Our goal with this session is to walk you through the steps, allowing you time to consider your situation and ask your questions.
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Who Should Attend: Care partners who want to know more about applying to long-term care.
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Preparing for Long-Term Care
In this online session, care partners will learn how to prepare the person living with dementia and themselves for the transition to long-term care. Topics include:
- Preparing the person living with dementia for the move
- Preparing yourself for the move
- Acknowledging emotions
- Transitioning your role after the move
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026 – 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, or friends who support someone living with dementia who is transitioning to long-term care.
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Behaviour Changes Series – Part One
In Part One of this online series, we enhance our understanding of why behaviour changes may occur in dementia. In Part Two, we will build upon this knowledge to explore possible strategies for responding to common behaviour changes.
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Behaviour Changes Series – Part Two
In Part One of this online series, we enhanced our understanding of why behaviour changes may occur in dementia. In Part Two, we will build upon this knowledge to explore possible strategies for responding to common behaviour changes.
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Enhancing Communication
This online education session will help care partners, family and friends supporting persons with dementia to identify and understand changes in communication that often result from brain changes. Participants will learn tips and strategies for making communication more successful.
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Recognizing & Reducing Caregiver Stress
This online education session helps caregivers to recognize the signs of stress and offers tips and strategies for reducing stress.
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Understanding Denial & Lack of Insight in Dementia
It is common for someone living with dementia to deny that they are experiencing issues with their memory or cognition. It may seem like the person is in denial, however, they could be experiencing anosognosia (a lack of insight). Lack of insight means that a person with dementia is unable to recognize changes in their behaviour and personality. This online presentation will explore anosognosia and suggest strategies to support the person experiencing it.
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 from 10:30 – 11:30 am
Who Should Attend: Care partners of people living with dementia.
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Meaningful Activities
This online presentation helps care partners of a person living with dementia in mid-to-late stages to develop and participate in meaningful activities. The goal is to provide practical ideas on how participants can spend quality time together by identifying and drawing upon the person’s remaining strengths.
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of persons living with dementia
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Driving and Dementia
Over time, dementia may cause changes that affect a person’s ability to safely drive a motor vehicle. However, a dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean that a person is incapable of driving. Some people may be capable of driving safely for some time after the diagnosis, depending on the timing of the diagnosis and how quickly dementia progresses. In this online session we will explore ways to continue driving safely, some of the warning signs that it may be time to stop driving, and tips for transitioning to life without driving.
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Who should attend: People living with dementia and their care partners
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
► Visual & Perceptual Changes in the Brain
This online presentation is about understanding visual and perceptual changes that can happen when a person has dementia. As dementia continues to progress, sensory and perceptual abilities can be affected as well as peripheral vision, depth perception and colour perception. This presentation addresses how these changes impact the person living with dementia’s ability to safely and effectively navigate their environment, and provides strategies to address and adapt to these visual and perceptual changes.
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Who should attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of people living with dementia.
Click here to register Click here to see corresponding poster
Multi-Week Workshops
Multi-week Workshops are for registered clients of the Alzheimer Society. Please click on the helpful links below for more information, and speak with your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
► Care in the Later Stages: A First Link Learning Series – NORWOOD
Care in the Later Stages is a 3-week learning series that is designed to help family members and friends of persons with dementia understand what to expect in the later and end-of-life stages of the dementia journey. Participants will learn strategies to prepare for these stages, ways to enhance the quality of life for the person with dementia, and helpful approaches to promoting their own self care.
Date: Mondays - January 26, February 2, 9, 2026 (February 23 is a back-up date if needed); 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Who Should Attend: care partners, family members or friends of people living with dementia
Click here for more information and how to register
► First Steps: A First Link Learning Series – PORT HOPE
First Steps is a four-week learning series that provides an overview of the dementia journey and will help you better understand the changes you are experiencing. Research has shown that when people learn about dementia early in the illness, they manage better. At this series, you will learn about types of dementia and how changes in the brain affect day-to-day functioning. You will also identify coping strategies and begin to plan for the future.
Date: Tuesdays – March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 2026 (back-up date is April 21 if needed) 10:00am – 12:30pm.
Who Should Attend: Persons in the early stages of dementia; family members or friends.
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Click here for more information and how to register
► First Steps: A First Link® Learning Series - MINDEN
First Steps is a four-week learning series that provides an overview of the dementia journey and will help you better understand the changes you are experiencing. Research has shown that when people learn about dementia early in the illness, they manage better. At this series, you will learn about types of dementia and how changes in the brain affect day-to-day functioning. You will also identify coping strategies and begin to plan for the future.
Dates: Tuesdays - June 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026 from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (June 30 is a back-up date, if needed)
Who Should Attend: Persons in the early stages of dementia; family members or friends.
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Click here for more information and how to register
► First Steps for Care Partners – Online Education Series
First Steps for Care Partners is a four-week virtual learning series that provides an overview of the dementia journey and will help you better understand the changes you are witnessing in the person living with dementia. Research has shown that when people learn about dementia early in the illness, they manage better. At this series, you will learn about types of dementia and how changes in the brain affect day-to-day functioning. You will also identify coping strategies and begin to plan for the future.
Date: Tuesdays February 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026 – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Who Should Attend: care partners, family members or friends of people living with dementia
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Click here for more information and how to register
► U-First! For Care Partners Workshop – 2-Part Education Program - LINDSAY
U-First!® for Care Partners is a 2-part education program for family and friends who want to learn more about how to respond to responsive behaviours that can occur in the middle and later stages of dementia.
Please note: those interested in attending this workshop must have attended other dementia education programs (e.g. First Link Learning Series) in the past. Introductory information about dementia symptoms and progression are not covered in this program.
The goals of the program are to:
• Help care partners identify a specific behaviour change they are finding challenging and use the U-First! Framework to build a support plan to help them understand and respond to the behaviour.
• Enhance well-being of care partners and of the person they are supporting who is experiencing behaviour changes
Date: Wednesdays, March 25 & April 1 2026 (April 8 is a back-up date if needed) 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Family and friends providing direct support to someone experiencing behaviour changes, as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment.
Click here for more information and how to register
► U-First! For Care Partners Workshop – 2-Part Education Program - COBOURG
U-First!® for Care Partners is a 2-part education program for family and friends who want to learn more about how to respond to responsive behaviours that can occur in the middle and later stages of dementia.
Please note: those interested in attending this workshop must have attended other dementia education programs (e.g. First Link Learning Series) in the past. Introductory information about dementia symptoms and progression are not covered in this program.
The goals of the program are to:
• Help care partners identify a specific behaviour change they are finding challenging and use the U-First! Framework to build a support plan to help them understand and respond to the behaviour.
• Enhance well-being of care partners and of the person they are supporting who is experiencing behaviour changes
Date: Mondays, June 8 & 15, 2026 at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Family and friends providing direct support to someone experiencing behaviour changes, as a result of dementia or other cognitive impairment.
Click here for more information and how to register
► T.E.A.C.H. Program - Training, Education & Assistance for Caregiving at Home – Online Education
The TEACH program is a four-week program for care partners of persons living with dementia. Created by the Sinai Health Reitman's Centre, it is an innovative therapeutic group intervention aimed at providing education and enhancing coping skills of care partners. This program is provided in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region.
Date: Mondays – March 9, 16, 23, 30 2026, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Who Should Attend: Care partners of persons living with dementia
Click here for more information and how to register
► Learning the Ropes® for Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) – PORT HOPE
This 6-week program is focused on optimizing cognitive health through lifestyle choices, memory training, and psychosocial support. The objective is to provide education, strategies, and support to individuals living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Dates: Thursdays – April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 2026 (back-up date is May 28 if needed) at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Individuals living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and their family members.
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Click here for more information and how to register
► Care Essentials: A First Link Learning Series for Care Partners - HALIBURTON
Participants will learn about the link between brain changes and behaviour, problem solving strategies, new approaches for communication, and how to best support daily activities. Participants will also learn about other resources to support them in their role as a care partner.
Dates: Mondays - April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 2026 at 10:30 am – 1:00 pm. (May 25 is a back-up date, if needed)
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Click here for more information and how to register
► Care Essentials: A First Link® Learning Series for Care Partners - PETERBOROUGH
Participants will learn about the link between brain changes and behaviour, problem solving strategies, new approaches for communication, and how to best support daily activities. Participants will also learn about other resources to support them in their role as a care partner.
Dates: Tuesdays, April 28, May 5, 12, 19, 2026 (back up date is May 26 if needed) at 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Click here for more information and how to register
► Taking Control of Our Lives Self Management Program for People Living with Dementia - PETERBOROUGH
This 8-week program is for people living with dementia. Taking Control of Our Lives is intended to help you, a person with dementia, to develop skills, increase your confidence and feel empowered to take control of your life by talking with and learning from others that may be experiencing some of the same things that you are. Care partners are invited to learn strategies to best support someone living with dementia and their ability to self-manage.
Dates: Wednesdays – April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 2026 (back-up date is June 10 if needed) at 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Who Should Attend: Persons in early stages of dementia and their care partners.
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Click here for more information and how to register
In-Person Seminars
In-Person Seminars are for registered clients of the Alzheimer Society. Please click on the helpful links below for more information, and speak with your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
► Understanding and Addressing Late-Day Restlessness, Repetition, and Agitation - MINDEN
This presentation provides insights into understanding Late Day Restlessness, Repetition and Agitation in persons living with dementia and offers some helpful tips and strategies for addressing and coping with these responsive behaviours.
Dates: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members, and friends of persons living with dementia
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Click here for more information and how to register
► Understanding Ambiguous Loss & Grief – FENELON FALLS
Ambiguous Loss is a type of loss you experience when a person with dementia is physically here but may not be mentally or emotionally present in the same way as before. Ambiguous loss is very different from the loss and grief of sudden death. It complicates grief, often making it hard to recognize or know how to grieve when the abilities of the person with dementia have changed. Please join us as we explore the concept of ambiguous loss, develop coping strategies and gain understanding of feelings of grief when caring for a person living with dementia.
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Who should attend: Care partners, family, and friends supporting persons living with dementia.
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Click here for more information and how to register
Virtual Reality
► What’s It Like for EDIE? A Workshop for Care Partners - PETERBOROUGH
The Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a free 3-hour workshop designed for care partners and family members of people living with dementia. This immersive experience enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia using high-quality virtual reality technology. The workshop enhances your knowledge of dementia while exploring helpful strategies to support the person to live well and more confidently with dementia.
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (back-date is February 11th if needed) at 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members and friends of people living with demen
Click here for more information and how to register
► What’s It Like for EDIE? A Workshop for Care Partners - COBOURG
The Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is a free 3-hour workshop designed for care partners and family members of people living with dementia. This immersive experience enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia using high-quality virtual reality technology. The workshop enhances your knowledge of dementia while exploring helpful strategies to support the person to live well and more confidently with dementia.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (back-up date is March 9th if needed) at 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Who Should Attend: Care partners, family members and friends of people living with dementia
Click here for more information and how to register
Art Therapy Workshops
► Creative Expression for Care Partner Well-Being: A Creative Series for Care Partners - PETERBOROUGH
This creative series focuses on self-care and relaxation. We will explore a variety of themes including identity, resiliency, and community with a post-graduate art therapy student. Working under the supervision of a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, your facilitator will guide you through exploring how creative expression can support your well-being.
*No prior art experience or talent is needed. Only an openness to the possibilities!*
Date: Tuesdays – February 10, 17, 24, March 3 & 10, 2026, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Who Should Attend: care partners of people living with dementia
Click here for more information and how to register
► Connecting Through Art: A 6-Week Creative Series for People Living with Early-Stage Dementia - PETERBOROUGH
This 6-week creative series focuses on self-care and relaxation. Please join us to explore a variety of themes including identity, resiliency, and community with post-graduate art therapy student, Quinn Cochrane. Working under the supervision of a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, Quinn will guide you through exploring how creative expression can support your well-being.
*No prior art experience or talent is needed. Only an openness to the possibilities!*
Dates: Tuesdays – March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Who Should Attend: people living with early-stage dementia
Please contact your Alzheimer Society Counsellor to register.
Tips for How To Access Our Online Education Sessions
If you would like to participate in our online programs, please:
- Use a computer, tablet or iPad to install Zoom Workplace (click here for instructions):
- On a computer, go to the Zoom Download Center to download and install the platform. It’s safe, easy and free!
- On an iPad, go to the App Store and install Zoom Workplace.
- On a tablet, go to the Google Play Store and install Zoom Workplace.
- Choose any online educational opportunity from the list of online webinars above and click "Click here to register"
- You will be sent a confirmation email with the instructions for accessing your session.
- If you have questions about the Zoom platform, please email Sarah Cook ([email protected]) for more detailed instructions.
To watch our past online sessions, please check out our Video Resources page.
Video Resources
To watch our past online sessions, please check out our Video Resources page.