Education for the Care Partner
The First Link Learning Series
The First Link Learning Series offers a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, resources and support systems, spread over five progressive modules, each one building upon the other.
First Link is facilitated by our Registered Social Workers and allied health professionals. Throughout the series participants are offered the opportunity to share and connect with others embarking on the dementia journey.
First Steps for the Care Partner or Person Living with Dementia
First Steps for the Care Partner or Person Living with Dementia is for care partners and persons living with dementia to learn more about dementia, brain changes and how to plan ahead.
Format: 4 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Upcoming Dates:
Care Essentials
Care Essentials is for family members and friends to enhance understanding of the symptoms of mid-stage dementia, communication skills and utilizing strengths when adapting to changes.
Format: 4 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Upcoming Dates:
Options for Care
Options for Care is for family members and friends to learn more about caring for individuals living with mid to late-stage dementia and to discuss options for care.
Format: 3 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Upcoming Dates:
Care in the Later Stages
Care in the Later Stages is for family members and friends to discuss the quality of life in the late stage and at end of life for individuals living with dementia.
Format: 3 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Upcoming Dates:
Taking Control of Our Lives
Taking Control of Our Lives is a program for people living with dementia and their care partners. This program helps you to develop skills, increase confidence and feel empowered to take control of your life by talking with and learning from others in a safe space.
Format: 8 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Upcoming Dates:
Coming soon.
Ambiguous Loss and Grief
Ambiguous Loss & Grief is for care partners to gain a better understanding of how loss and grief can affect you, stay connected to the person with dementia and remain healthy and resilient.
Format: 3 weekly sessions (1.5 hours each)
Upcoming Dates:
Life After Dementia
Life After Dementia explores the uniqueexperience of living and grieving after the death of a person with dementia.
Format: 3 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Upcoming Dates:
U-First! for the Care Partner
U-First!® for Care Partners is for family and friends who are providing direct support to someone experiencing behaviour changes because of dementia or other cognitive impairment.
Format: 3 weekly sessions (2.5 hours each)
Upcoming Dates:
First Link On Demand
Two of our First Link Learning Series modules, First Steps for Care Partners and Care Essentials are now available online!
Learn how you can take these informative programs from the comfort of your own home.
The Enhancing Care for Ontario Care Partners Program
Delivered in partnership with the Sinai Health System Reitman Centre, the Enhancing Care (EC) Program offers therapeutic skills training to family or other unpaid care partners who are giving care to individuals living with dementia. The program provides practical skill-building and emotional support to help care partners deal with the stress and complexities of caregiving.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
For the Care Partner
Education
Comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, and resources.
Counselling
In-home or in-office assessments and individualized response.
Referral
Self-referral and
health professionals.
Support
Social worker facilitated support groups & programs for care partners.
Quick Links to our available support programs and information:
Support for the Person with Dementia
Support for the Care Partner
Education for the Care Partner
