First Link^® Learning Series

About the Learning Series

The Learning Series helps people with dementia, their families and friends to live as well as possible with the disease. The courses offered build upon each other to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, available resources and support. Participants have the opportunity to learn and share with others who are affected by dementia.

All learning opportunities are provided at no cost to participants.

For a list of upcoming sessions, please scroll down, see our Event Calendar, or contact us.

First Steps

for people with dementia and family and friends

This series is to help individuals newly diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers understand their diagnosis and the changes they experience. This series will also offer participants an opportunity to share and connect with others embarking on a similar journey. They will learn about topics including what is dementia, memory loss, coping strategies, medications, treatments, research, planning for the future, and community resources and support.

Next Steps for Families

for family and friends

This series will offer family members and friends caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias an overview of the disease. The topics discussed in this series will be much the same as those listed under First Steps.

Register for O'Leary's Next Steps for Families sessions in April here.
Register for Montague's Next Steps for Families session in June here. 

Care Essentials

for family and friends

This series will offer guidance throughout the caregiver journey and strategies for when a person with dementia's care needs have increased. Topics discussed include: the progression of the disease, understanding behaviour, day to day care and community resources.

Register for Charlottetown's Care Essentials session in June here. 

Options for Care

for family and friends

This series will help family members and caregivers evaluate their current caregiving needs and explore other possible care options available, including long-term care. Topics include: Where to turn when care needs are increasing, long term care - how the system works, and coping with changes.

Care in the Later Stages

for family and friends

This series is to help family members and friends of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias understand what to expect in the later stages of the disease. Topics include: understanding the experiences of grief and loss, learning about the later stages, recognizing pain and distress, and providing care that promotes dignity, comfort and quality of life.