Support and Counselling

First Link

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder First Link is for you. This direct referral program links the person with dementia and their family members/caregivers to coordinated learning, services and support from diagnosis and through the continuum of the disease. Contact the First Link Coordinator for further information.

Information and Support Sessions

These groups meet monthly and provide a safe place for caregivers to share concerns and experiences and learn from others. Skilled facilitation ensures confidentiality and provides an educational component to increase the participants' confidence in their ability to care for their loved one. Contact the ofice for exact dates and locations or visit the Calendar section of this site.

Circle of Friends

This group for persons diagnosed with early stage memory problems and there care partners meets once per month in Owen Sound. The group provides an opportunity to meet with others in the early stages and share ideas about living with memory loss, learn about a variety of topics ( Advanced care planning, disability pensions, supports available and more). If you are interested in this group contact the office for further information.

Tel: (519) 376-7230
Toll Free: 1-800-265-9013

Safely Home - Alzheimer Wandering Registry

- peace of mind for people with memory loss

Safely Home - Alzheimer Wandering Registry is a nationwide program, developed by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in partnership with the RCMP that gives added security to people with memory loss at risk of leaving home, becoming confused and getting lost.

More Information - Click Here

Counselling (Individual & Family)

Staff of the Alzheimer Society are available to answer questions, provide information and support to those who telephone or visit our office. A referral service provides information to those looking for other services in the community related to dementia care.

Individual Care Plan Consultations

Society staff are available to assist Long Term Care facilities and community service providers with developing care plans for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning Service Provider Training is offered to professional caregivers and policy makers working with persons affected by dementia. Each session is part of a series being sponsored across the province through the Ontario Strategy for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by the Ontario Seniors' Secretariat in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Registration for each session is limited to 30 participants per session.

Enhancing Care Program

Alzheimer Society Education Coordinators have been trained to facilitate the Enhancing Care Program in Long Term Care Facilities. The aim of this program is to improve the care provided to persons with dementia by emphasizing their personhood. Enhancing Care provides an opportunity for a voluntary internal multidisciplinary review of the facility's philosophy, practice and environment. It is an excellent vehicle for moving facilities forward into the full application of best practice standards for dementia care.
This process is undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of about 10-15 individuals representing management, front line staff, volunteers, & family members. It takes approximately 16-20 hours of meeting time over a period of 6-8 weeks. It identifies the facility's current status with respect to meeting the standards contained in the Guidelines for Care established by Alzheimer Canada for the care of dementia clients. Once the needs and strengths of the facility have been determined through this process goals can be set to move the facility forward to more fully meet the standards. The Education Coordinator who facilitates the process forges a partnership with the facility to provide ongoing support in ways specific to the needs of each facility. This may be through inservice training, providing educational resources, facilitating support groups for staff or family. Enhancing Care supports PIECES trained staff while it supports staff's needs and enhances dementia care.