Next Steps sessions:
Session 1: Titled “What is Dementia” This session examines what dementia is physically and how the symptoms of the disease can present themselves in day to day life. We also explore the 10 warning signs. We discuss Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Lewy Body dementia and Vascular dementia. We look at common needs of someone with dementia. We look at what being a care partner means.
Session 2: “Adapting to Brain Changes” This session explores the various parts of the brain and their functions. We look at the behavioral impact caused by the parts of the brain that are diseased by dementia. We discuss Adapting to change and finding new ways of doing things that will help the person with dementia. We look at approved drug treatments in dementia, medication strategies, alternative therapies and maximizing brain health.
Session 3: “Planning Ahead” This session looks at assessing risk, communicating potential risk elements of daily life to the person with dementia, Advance care planning, Consent, Capacity, How to plan for the future, What is a substitute decision maker?, What is POA, Managing Finances in the early stages, Managing Finances in the later stages, Power of Attorney for Property and finances.
Session 4: “Building a Circle of Support” this session focuses on recognizing stress, exploring signs of stress, Identifying personal stressors, strategies for reducing stress, Alzheimer Society services; First Link Counselling, First Link Support Groups, Lunch with Friends, Minds in Motion, and the music project.