Learning Series

About the Learning Series

The Learning Series helps people with dementia, their families and friends to live as well as possible with the disease. The courses offered build upon each other to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, available resources and support. Participants have the opportunity to learn and share with others who are affected by dementia.

All learning opportunities are provided at no cost to participants.

For upcoming sessions, please visit our Programs and Events page

First Steps Learning Series

I have been diagnosed with dementia. Now what? Where do I start?

The First Steps Learning Series is a four-part program for people recently diagnosed with dementia and their families. It helps participants understand dementia, adapt to changes, access support, and plan ahead in ways that support autonomy, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. 

Understanding Dementia

• Learn what dementia is and how it affects the brain. 
• Recognize common signs and types of dementia. 
• Explore diagnosis, treatment options, and available supports. 

Communication and Daily Life 

• Understand how changes in memory, language, and comprehension can affect relationships and daily interactions. 
• Learn strategies to support clearer, more effective communication. 

Coping and Support 

• Build support networks for individuals and families. 
• Stay engaged in meaningful activities and relationships. 
• Use tools and strategies that support independence. 

Planning Ahead

• Consider legal and financial planning, including Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives. 
• Plan for driving, safety, and future care needs. 
• Make decisions early to reduce uncertainty and support quality of life.
   

Next Steps for Families and Friends Learning Series

Someone close to me has been diagnosed with dementia. Where do I start?

The Next Steps for Family and Friends Learning Series is a four-part program for the care partners of people recently diagnosed with dementia. It helps participants understand dementia, adapt to changes, access support, and plan ahead in ways that support autonomy, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.

Understanding Dementia

• Learn what dementia is and how it affects the brain.  
• Recognize common signs and types of dementia. 
• Explore diagnosis, treatment options, and available supports.  

Communication and Daily Life 

• Talking about a dementia diagnosis with family and friends. 
• How dementia changes communication abilities. 
• Strategies for reducing frustration and improving conversations.

Coping and Support 

• The emotional impact of dementia on both the person diagnosed and their family. 
• Self-care strategies for caregivers. 
• Building a strong support network. 
• Practical memory tips and home safety strategies. 

Planning Ahead

• Consider legal and financial planning, including Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives. 
• Plan for driving, safety, and future care needs.
• Make decisions early to reduce uncertainty and support quality of life.
   

Care Essentials Learning Series 

I'm finding it increasingly difficult to adjust to the changes that are happening and to know how best to help.

The Care Essentials Learning Series is a four-part program that helps care partners understand dementia progression, respond to changes, and provide compassionate, person-centred support. 

Progression of Dementia 

• Learn how dementia affects the brain as it progresses 
• Recognize changes in thinking, emotions, behaviour, and abilities. 
• Focus on remaining strengths and abilities. 

The Caregiver Journey

• Explore how caregiving affects roles, relationships, emotions, and stress. 
• Recognize needs and limits; setting realistic expectations and seek support. 
• Prioritize self-care. 

Understanding Behaviour

• Recognize dementia-related behaviours as communication. 
• Identify triggers and unmet needs. 
• Adapt care and environments to reduce distress. 

Day-to-Day Care

• Learn practical strategies for daily care while preserving dignity and supporting abilities; promoting independence where possible. 
• Use supportive communication. 
• Assist with daily activities and meaningful engagement.
   

Options for Care Learning Series

I'm starting to find it challenging to do this on my own. How can I get some extra help?

The Options for Care Learning Series is a four-part program that guides care partners through the dementia journey by helping them understand changing care needs, access community supports and respite, plan for future care options including long-term care, and cope with the emotional impact of major transitions. 

When Care Needs Are Increasing

• Understanding dementia and disease progression and the changes in communication, behaviour, thinking, and physical abilities.
• Strategies to support the person with dementia.
• Recognizing and managing caregiver stress.   

Community Care Options

• Community supports available to caregivers and families.
• In-home support, respite care, and day programs.
• Assisted/enriched living options.

Long-Term Care: How the System Works

• When to consider long-term care.
• Personal Care Homes vs. Long-Term Care Homes.
• Understanding assessments, eligibility, waitlists, and placement.

Coping with Change

• Common emotions related to moving to long-term care.
• Preparing for moving day and the transition to LTC.
• Adjusting to new caregiving roles and routines.
• Working with staff and maintaining meaningful connections.
   

Care in the Later Stages Learning Series

I can see that we are getting closer to the end of life. What do I need to know to provide comfort and support?

The Care in the Later Stages Learning Series is a three-part program that helps family members and care partners understand advanced dementia, provide comfort-focused care, and navigate grief throughout the dementia journey.

What to Expect – Advanced Dementia

• Understanding the progression of dementia and the changes that occur in the later stages of life including common physical and cognitive changes. 
• The importance of maintaining dignity, comfort, and person-centred care.
• Quality of life considerations.
• The role of palliative care and comfort-focused approaches at end of life. 

Quality of Life at End of Life

• Recognizing and managing pain in people who may no longer communicate verbally.
• Understanding the dying process and expected physical changes.
• Supporting emotional, spiritual, and sensory connections.
• The caregiver's role in preserving dignity, comfort, and meaningful relationships

Understanding Grief

• Anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss.
• Common physical, emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and spiritual grief reactions.
• Self-care and coping strategies.
• Supporting children and families through grief.
• Building support networks and accessing community resources.