For individuals newly diagnosed with dementia & their families LEARNING First Link learning series cover every step of the Alzheimer journey. These courses are progressive, building upon each other to give families a complete overview of dementia. The learning series provide families with information, skills and resources. 1. Next Steps: for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia and their spouse or family member. • 3 sessions of 1.5 hours with the focus on coping with the disease and related issues. • Topics for Next Steps: What is Dementia; Brain & Behaviour; Coping Strategies; Drugs, Treatment & Research; Legal and Financial Matters; Community Resources. NEXT SERIES: See calendar Prochaines étapes/Soins Essentiels Ce programme de 4 sessions a pour objectif de donner des renseignements sur la maladie d’Alzheimer et des sujets connexes. Prochaines étapes est offert aux aidants naturels ou un membre-famille ainsi que la personne dans la phase initiale de la maladie d’Alzheimer ou d’une autre démence. Les participants doivent avoir reçu un diagnostique du médecin. • Sujets présentés : - La démence, les médicaments - Soins essentiels et les comprehensions des comportements changeants - Conseils d’ordre légal - Les resources communautaires Endroit Next Steps for Families (for family members/caregivers only) • 6 evening sessions of 1.5 hours • Topics for Next Steps for Families: What is Dementia; Brain & Behaviour; Legal and Financial Matters; Drugs, Treatment & Research; Coping Strategies; Community Resources. NEXT SERIES: See calendar 2. Care Essentials (for family members/caregivers only) • 4 sessions of 2 hours focusing on the middle stages of dementia • Topics include: What to Expect: The progression of Dementia; Day-to- Day Care; Understanding Behaviour; A Caregiver’s Personal Story and Community Resources. NEXT SERIES: See calendar 3. Options for Care (for family members/caregivers only) • 3 sessions of 1.5 hours focusing on options for care • Topics include: Options for Care: Increasing Care Needs of Your Family Member; Long-term Care: How the System Works; Coping with Change. NEXT SERIES: See calendar Options en matière de soins Ce programme de 3 semaines porte sur les besoins en soins qui augmentent et sur les choix qui s’offrent à vous en pareille situation. Endroit 4. Care in the Later Stages: Quality of Life at the End of Life for Persons with Dementia • 3 sessions of 1.5 hours focusing on the later stages of dementia • Topics include: What to Expect: The Natural Course of the Disease, Possible Complications and Difficult Decisions; Looking for Clues: Pain and Distress; The Face of Caring: Providing Comfort and Giving Pleasure. NEXT SERIES: See calendar Les soins en stade avancé Ce programme de 3 semaines fournira aux aidants naturels un aperçu des soins au stade avancé de la démence. Endroit To register: Phone: 613-523-4004 Fax: 613-523-8522 Email: krobinson@alzheimerott.org SUPPORT Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia? Don’t go it alone; link with a fellow caregiver. Sometimes all it takes to get through the day is to talk with someone who can say, “I understand” and really mean it. We can link you with a fellow caregiver who has traveled the same road as you, who will listen and talk with you over the phone or in person. Please contact First Link Coordinator. SERVICES As part of the Champlain Dementia Network First Link can connect you to the Alzheimer Society and provide information about other community and health care services such as: day programs, in-home help, friendly visiting, counselling and problem solving services. Please contact First Link Coordinator to receive your information package and the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s Family Guide to Dementia Care.   Back to First Link Home Family Physicians and Health Care Providers