Researchers predict that by 2030, nearly 1 million people in Canada will be living with dementia. It’s a challenging diagnosis, and public support systems may not be as strong as we need them to be. How can we plan for a future in which we or someone we love has dementia? How can we ensure a future that honours our wishes and values?
This four-part course is designed to empower you to navigate this journey with confidence and peace of mind. By the end of our time together, you will have a comprehensive understanding of dementia, the legal and medical steps to take now to help you feel prepared, and strategies to maintain your well-being and quality of life.
Week 1: Befriending Dementia
In this session, we'll demystify dementia. We'll explore the different types, their symptoms, and how they can impact individuals and families. You'll learn about early signs, risk factors, and how to navigate diagnosis and early treatment.
Week 2: Nurturing Your Well-being: Social and Emotional Planning
This session focuses on mitigating fears you may have about a future with dementia in it. We'll explore emotional challenges, and how to put supports in place well before you need them. You'll also learn how to plan for future living arrangements that align with your preferences and needs.
Week 3: Securing Your Future: Legal Planning
This session will guide you through the essential steps of legal planning. We'll discuss the importance of creating an enduring power of attorney to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf for legal and financial matters. We will also explore the relative merits of Representation Agreements and Advance Directives for healthcare decisions.
Week 4: Navigating the intersection of healthcare and deathcare
Many people live with dementia for a very long time, but they don't always die from it. In our third session, we'll discuss how to access community resources and support services as well as exploring end-of-life care preferences and options.
By the end of our time together, you will have a comprehensive understanding of dementia, the legal and medical steps to take now to help you feel prepared, as well as strategies to maintain your well-being and quality of life.
This course is open to non-members.
Member registration opens on Thursday, January 9 at 10 am.
Non-member registration opens on Thursday, January 16 by phone or in-person only. (no online registrations)