SESSION INFORMATION 

 

Thursday, May 18   |   Thursday, June 15   |   Thursday, July 13  |   Thursday, July 27 (IN-PERSON)

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Thursday, August 17   |   Wednesday, September 13   |   Thursday, October 19  |   Thursday, November 16

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Thursday, November 30 (IN-PERSON)   |   Thursday, December 14   |   Thursday, January 11

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Thursday, February 15   |   Thursday, March 21

 

Please Note: The $30 fee to register for Dementia only includes the virtual sessions. A separate registration is required to attend an in-person workshop – see your confirmation email for details or call the Alzheimer Society at 204-943-6622.

 

Thursday, May 18 | 2 to 3 pm

Turning Towards, Not Away: Caring for Others While Caring for Yourself

Dr. Jillian Horton credits her immense compassion as a clinician to an experience that shaped her life: she cared and advocated for her sister, who had a brain injury. Recognizing the similarities in this caregiving role with that of supporting a person with dementia, Dr. Horton will speak about burnout, mindfulness and compassion as they exist in the complex world of dementia care. It will be a frank and compelling discussion, but one that will inspire and motivate care partners to continue their important work.

Jillian Horton, MD, Author, Associate Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine and Director at the Alan Klass Medical Humanities Program, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba

 

Thursday, June 15 | 2 to 3 pm

A New Way of Looking at Responsive Behaviours

Although not always present in people with dementia, responsive behaviour can sometimes occur in reaction to something occurring in the environment. In this session, participants will learn about:

• the impact of using labelling words when describing responsive behaviours
• possible reasons why people with dementia might appear to walk continuously, eat compulsively, hide or collect items, or seem restless towards the end of the day
• self-awareness and how this approach can help when providing day-to-day care
• communication and de-escalation strategies when behaviours and strong emotions arise

Charleen Barkman, RPN, Staff Dementia Educator, Southern Manitoba

 

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Thursday, July 13 | 2 to 3 pm

Understanding the Care Needs of 2SLGBTQ+ Older Adults

In this session, learn about some of the unique care needs of 2SLGBTQ+ older adults and how inclusive care and support can be provided. Engage in conversations about:

• sensitive approaches and communication tips that can be used to facilitate initial intakes and assessments 
• challenges associated with aging and dementia
  
• challenges associated with health care navigation
  

Ashley Smith (he/him), Director of Advocacy, Rainbow Resource Centre

Jessica Harper, BA, BSW, RSW, Senior Manager, First Link® Client Support, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

 

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Thursday, July 27 | 9 am to 3:30 pm (IN-PERSON)
Location: Life and Learning Centre, Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg

*separate registration required for this workshop

Integrating Practical Approaches to Responsive Behaviour in Dementia Care

In this all-day workshop, engage in a focused discussion about the meaning behind responsive behaviours and specific approaches to them, including practical skills to use in the workplace. Here is what will be covered in the session:

• overview of person-centered care and dementia
• brain and behaviour
• understanding the causes and stressors of responsive behaviours
• practical approaches and strategies, including role play and group work
• behaviours and approaches common with Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia

Samantha Holland, BA, BSW, RSW, First Link® Regional Team Lead, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
Meagan Fitzpatrick, BSW, RSW, First Link® Client Support Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

Thursday, August 17 | 2 to 3 pm

Sleep Matters: Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep & Dementia

In this session, important aspects about the relationship between sleep and dementia will be discussed. Participants will discover:

• how insufficient sleep increases the risk of falls and responsive behaviours in people with dementia
• ways to identify features in the environment that contribute to poor sleep
• practical strategies to reduce/remove features that contribute to poor sleep
• useful online resources

Cary A. Brown, FHEA, PhD, Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta

 

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Wednesday, September 13 | 2 to 3 pm

It Isn't Just Memory Loss: Changes in Movement, Behaviour and Social Skills in Dementia

People with dementia experience changes in memory, but they may exhibit changes in other areas as well. In this session, participants will learn about:

• the similarities and differences between the common forms of dementia
• the effects of involuntary movements, loss of inhibitions, personality changes and psychological symptoms on a person’s daily activities
• treatment options for the various types of dementia
• strategies to use when communicating, assisting with activities and providing personal care

Mario Masellis, MSc, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Clinician Scientist and Associate Professor, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto

Thursday, October 19 | 2 to 3 pm

What’s NEW with Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

It’s important to have updated and accurate information about MAiD. This session will provide participants with details about:

• updates to the federal legislation and its implementation in Manitoba, particularly in relation to individuals with dementia
• who is eligible for and who can provide MAiD
• the "what, when, who, why and how" as these questions pertain to MAiD in Manitoba

Kim Wiebe, MD, FRCPC, MPH, Medical Director, Medical Assistance in Dying, Shared Health

 

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Thursday, November 16 | 2 to 3 pm

Meaningful Engagement of People with Dementia in Physical Activities

Involvement in physical activities is a good way to provide both mental and physical stimulation for people with dementia. In this session, learn about:

• adapting physical activity programs to the varying levels of abilities of people with dementia
• strategies to motivate a person with dementia to participate in physical activities
• safety measures and considerations

Lori Orchard, Coordinator, Adult Fitness and Children's Programs, The Wellness Institute
Heather Blackman, Adult Day Program Coordinator, Simkin Centre

Thursday, November 30 | 9 am to 3:30 pm (IN-PERSON)
Location: Pulford Community Living, 1146 Waverley St., Winnipeg 

*separate registration required for this workshop

Dementia and Its Impact on People with an Intellectual Disability

In this all-day workshop, gain a greater understanding of dementia in general. Learn how the disease specifically impacts people with an intellectual disability and how to provide quality supports. The following areas will be covered in the session:

• introduction to dementia: types of dementia, diagnostic process, clinical features and stages of the disease
• impact of dementia on people with an intellectual disability: early warning signs, diagnosis and changes that occur as the disease progresses
• importance of health care advocacy and how it can assist someone in obtaining a good quality diagnosis
• five key concepts of support that can enhance problem-solving and communication skills when supporting a person with dementia

Tracy Klawuhn, Director of Services, Winnserv Inc.
Carey Lai - 赖家義, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Certified Concurrent Disorder Counsellor, Pharmacist, Leila Pharmacy
Shahin Shooshtari, PhD, Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba and Researcher, St.Amant Research Centre
Dr. Lois Stewart-Archer, PhD, RN, CPMHN©, Regional Clinical Nurse Specialist, Rehabilitation, Healthy Aging and Seniors Care, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Leslie Udell, L. Udell Consulting and National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NGT) Canada Master Trainer, NTG Canadian Consortium
Shannon Walowetz, Resource Coordinator, Innovative Life Options

Thursday, December 14 | 2 to 3 pm

Link Between Dementia and Mental Illness

Dementia can affect people with mental illness, requiring care partners to understand the unique challenges involved. This session covers: 

• how pre-existing mental illness increases the risk of dementia
• how to differentiate and recognize overlapping symptoms and behaviours
• how pre-existing mental illness can affect activities of daily living and the relationships of a person with dementia
• treatment options and strategies for day-to-day care

Dr. Lois Stewart-Archer, PhD, RN, CPMHN©, Regional Clinical Nurse Specialist, Rehabilitation, Healthy Aging and Seniors Care, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Thursday, January 11 | 2 to 3 pm

Engaging Family Care Partners as Part of the Care Team

In this panel session, learn key considerations, strategies and tips for engaging and communicating with family members of a person with dementia. This session looks at how to address various circumstances, including:

• when the person’s abilities are changing, and there is an option to modify the care plan
• when a service or resource is not available in the community, or a person may not be eligible for a program
• when there are safety concerns necessitating a move to a different housing

Thursday, March 21 | 2 - 3 pm

Cultural Safety and Senior Care

Faye Tardiff, Training and Education Coordinator, Indigenous Health, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

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