Individuals who are facing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias benefit from receiving information as soon as possible. The journey with dementia poses many challenges, and having an understanding of what you are facing, and reliable information about the types of help available to you, will make a difference.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. offers educational programs throughout the province to educate and empower people with dementia, their families and friends.

Below is a description of each program. Contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre for more information and to learn about upcoming learning opportunities in your community.
 

Family Caregiver Series

A five-session series for family members who are caring for a person with dementia. Participants will learn about dementia, practical coping strategies, and early planning. Topics covered in the Series include:
 

  • Understanding Dementia
  • Understanding Communication
  • Understanding Behaviour
  • Planning for the Future
  • Self-Care for Caregivers


Read more about the Family Caregiver Series or contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre.
 

Shaping the Journey: living with dementia™

A six-session education series for people with dementia and their care partners to explore the journey ahead in a positive, informative and supportive environment. Participants will learn about dementia, explore strategies to cope with changes and maximize quality of life, review information on planning for the future, and meet others who are going through similar experiences.

Read more about Shaping the Journey: living with dementiaTM or contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre.


Heads Up: An Introduction to Brain Health

Healthy aging is important for everyone, and it is essential not to forget the health of your brain as well! This workshop encourages participants to actively engage in protecting and maintaining their brain. Learn strategies and set goals for improving the health of your mind, body and spirit. Anyone interested in brain health is welcome to attend.

For more information contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre.

 

Getting to Know Dementia

This introductory session reviews information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and the challenges of receiving a diagnosis. Participants will learn about the different types of support available throughout the dementia journey, and how to begin planning for the future. People with a diagnosis of dementia, care partners and family members are all invited to attend.

For more information contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre.
 







Additional workshops are offered on a variety of topics related to dementia. Contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre for more information on workshops available in your community.
 
 

Coping with Transitions in Dementia Caregiving: Dimensions of Loss and Grief

(Currently available only on Vancouver Island.)

The dementia journey requires ongoing adjustment to many changes over a long period of time. These changes that occur through the early, middle and late stages of the disease – changes relationships, shared activities, roles and responsibilities, plans for the future – result in feelings of loss. Grief is a natural and unavoidable result of these feelings of loss. The six-part Coping with Transitions education series explores the loss and grief issues of the caregiving experience in order to identify tools and strategies for weathering the multitude of transition losses.

Each session includes presentation of information, as well as time for group discussion and personal exploration. Group size is limited. An individual appointment may be arranged with the facilitator prior to attending.

To ensure everyone has the same basic understanding of dementia, participants are required to have attended Understanding Dementia or Getting to Know Dementia (or equivalents).

Contact the Alzheimer Resource Centre for program dates, locations and registration information.
 

Resources for Health Care Providers

Health care providers are important partners of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Together, we can ensure that people with dementia and their families are receiving person-centred care and support throughout their journey with the disease. This section of our website contains useful resources and tools for health care providers who are working with people with dementia.

Learn more about resources for health care providers.
 

Telephone Workshops

Learn from home and register today for one of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s free one-hour telephone workshops. It’s easy to participate, wherever you are in the province! Learn more about telephone workshops...
 

 

In this Section

For more information about upcoming educational sessions in your community, contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre or check our events calendar.



 

Partial Funding for Dementia Education provided by:







Phyliss & Irving Snider Foundation











Frank and Yvonne McCracken Foundation


Lohn Foundation