Public Education Programs

The Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex™ offers a number of education programs geared towards the general public, care providers and healthcare professionals.

Aging Simulation Workshop                              

The Aging Simulation Workshop is an interactive approach to adult learning.  Geared towards those working in long-term care facilities and retirement homes, participants are transformed into “residents” by participating in an aging simulation exercise.  By donning props, participants transform from their current age, to elderly, facing all the challenges that those living with normal age-related changes and disease-related changes face.  As part of the exercise, participants must complete assigned activities while contending with physical limitations, medical interruptions, background noise and a variety of other challenges.  Past participants have said this simulation led to direct changes in their perception of and care approaches for their elderly clients. To download poster click here.

Alzheimer Information Series                     

Designed for healthcare providers and volunteers working with those affected by dementia, the Alzheimer Information Series (AIS) offers a broad introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.  Topics include brain and behaviour, communication, responsive behaviours, environmental designs, activities of daily living, and montessori-based dementia programming.

Upcoming Alzheimer Information Series: Saturday June 9, 2012.  To register, click here.

Elementary School Program

Providing Alzheimer education to the next generation is paramount to improving awareness, promoting brain health, and challenging the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.  Elementary school aged children are often close to their grandparents or other older relatives and are eager to learn about the brain, how it impacts behaviour and how they can empathize and assist the person living with dementia.  Our program involves a one hour interactive session.  Role play, memory games, FAQ and a children’s story about a grandparent and grandchild negotiating the Alzheimer’s journey are all part of the teaching session. For more information, click here.

Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care

Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care is a case-based, interactive, and practical one-day education program that is offered to long-term care organizations. The overall goal of the curriculum is to educate all staff (including health care aides, dietary aides, and housekeeping staff) on how to use a person-centred, compassionate and gentle persuasive approach and to respond respectfully, with confidence and skill to challenging behaviours associated with dementia. Visit www.ageinc.ca for more information.

This education program is supported by: 

Heads-Up for Healthier Brains

The Heads-Up for Healthier Brains program provides an overview of how the brain functions, how brain activity connects to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and ways of keeping the brain active and healthy for life, through nutrition, physical exercise and cognitive activity. Click here for poster.

Montessori Approach to Care

One of the key ways to improve the quality of life for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia is to improve the quality of activities they partake in on a daily basis.  Modeled after the esteemed Montessori approach to education, this program provides practical, creative and effective activities to stimulate the brain and engage dementia clients to the maximum level possible.  We offer examples of stimulating and challenging activities for all stages of the disease, the goal being to create positive and productive days for those living with a form of dementia.

U-First!

U-First! is a proven and effective approach to working with people with dementia. Through dialogue and a case-based approach, learners will have more confidence in working with people with responsive behaviours. Training is especially designed for people working in community care, acute care, and long-term care.  For more information, visit www.u-first.ca.

Customized Education Programs

Customized education and training is also available.

Displays

In order to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and to offer information about our programs and services, we are also available for wellness, aging, health and work fairs in London and Middlesex.

To request one of our education programs, click here.