Dementia Education Program

Alzheimer’s disease, which represents two-thirds of dementia cases, is on the rise. With a powerful demographic shift taking place in Quebec, it’s vital that we ensure that those who are hardest hit receive the training, protection and resources they need. Care partners are at the centre of the dementia crisis. They are the ones who, on a daily basis, make sure that their loved one—their spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend or client—has what they need to stay safe, healthy and loved. Increasingly, more and more care partners will put their lives on hold to take care of a loved one. They will continue to witness, and have to manage, an array of challenging behaviours and changing personalities, from outbursts to confusion, as they cope with the progression of declining cognitive and physical functions. They will also continue to deal with their own grief while navigating the health care system, and their changing family dynamics and financial situation. Unfortunately, very few care partners know how to navigate the system and locate the necessary resources to sustain them. Burnout is nearly inevitable. Very few people intrinsically know how to care for a person with dementia, and often lack the education and training that can diffuse difficult situations and alleviate potential dangers. The McGill Dementia Education Program was created to respond to this important need.  Our multidisciplinary team has created educational tools and innovative platforms to support family care partners who are looking after a loved with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses. Care partners—their needs, their knowledge—are at the heart of this project. We sincerely hope these resources will help to provide you with the information and support that you need to confidently navigate this journey.

 

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