FAMILY AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is a challenging journey. Through our Family and Caregiver Support programs we offer ongoing education and support for individuals with dementia and their care partners.

You do not need a diagnosis or a doctor’s referral to access our support services. Once you have contacted us, you will be assigned to a Client Support Coordinator who can answer your questions, provide ongoing individual support, and link you to our group programs. We also have a wide range of printed resource materials available. All support services are confidential and free of charge.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

Through individual or family visits, your Client Support Coordinator can provide you with support that is tailored to your unique needs. They can meet with you over the phone, by email, at our office and at home visits.

Possible discussion topics include:

• understanding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,
• identifying support services,
• reducing caregiver stress,
• navigating the health care system,
• planning for long term care,
• advanced care planning,
• explaining dementia to children and youth,
• understanding changes in behaviour,
• assisting with activities of daily living,
• dementia research.

GROUP PROGRAMS

Some people find strength and support by sharing their experience with others who are going through similar challenges. We offer a variety of group programs for individuals with dementia and their care partners.

Early-Stage and Middle Stage Support Groups:

Education and support is extremely beneficial from the very early stages of the disease. Early-Stage Support Groups provide an opportunity for persons in the early stage of their disease to meet others in a similar situation and share their experiences. These groups also offer an opportunity to learn more about dementia, how to address challenges that arise and how to access appropriate services and resources. All groups are confidential and facilitated by trained personnel.

Caregiver Support Groups:

Research has shown that caregivers who receive ongoing support and information are more successful and comfortable in their caregiving role. Our Caregiver Support Groups give family caregivers and friends an opportunity to exchange information and concerns in a supportive environment. All groups are confidential and facilitated by trained personnel.

At times caregivers have difficulty attending a support group due to their caregiving responsibilities. To address this, we offer social groups for persons with dementia at the same time and location as some of our support groups. While the caregiver attends support group, their loved one enjoys a socially stimulating program facilitated by trained personnel.

Activity Groups:

Our Activity Club offers brain-stimulating activities for persons with dementia and their care partners. These sessions are led by trained personnel and activities may include music, art, and brain exercises, as well as time for socialising. No experience is necessary – just a willingness to try something new.

Joining a Group:

For details about groups in Northumberland and Peterborough counties, please contact the Peterborough office.

For details about groups in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton county, please contact the Lindsay office.

SAFELY HOME / ALZHEIMER WANDERING REGISTRY

This national program is designed to help ensure the safe return home of people with dementia who wander. When an individual is registered, he or she receives a personalized bracelet to wear. Vital information about the individual and the contact information of his or her care partners is stored confidentially on a police database. Should the individual be found wandering or reported missing, police anywhere in Canada can access the information and facilitate reunification with a care partner. For more information on this program, view Alzheimer Canada's Safely Home website (www.safelyhome.ca) or contact one of our offices.