McCormick Resource Centre
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is offered online using Zoom. The McCormick Enhanced Care Partner Education Series will both be offered in person and using Zoom. Descriptions of each series are listed below.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Series
This six-week workshop provides helpful tips and information for Caregivers of people with dementia and addresses such areas as reducing personal stress, communicating effectively in challenging situations, caring for a spouse, managing transitions and making tough caregiving decisions. This course is delivered by McCormick Dementia Services social workers in cooperation with the South West Self-Management Program, and includes helpful instruction from an experienced Care Partner of someone with dementia. This course will be offered virtually using Zoom.
Date and Time
Dates: Tuesdays, January 9 to February 13, 2024.
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
How to Register
Registration for each series is required as there are limited spaces available. To complete your registration, please contact our administrative assistant at 519-439-9336, ext. 2347.
McCormick Enhanced Care Partner Education Series
The McCormick Enhanced Care Partner Education Series is comprised of four separate series.
Participants are welcome to enroll in all four series or they can pick and choose the ones that meet their needs.
Series One: Practical Communication Strategies
Communication is the most basic human connection and it has the tendency to evolve throughout the stages of dementia. Learning effective communication strategies can help reduce the stress and challenges of dementia the Care Partner. Participants will gain a more in-depth understanding of how dementia impacts the way a person communicates as well as how to recognize changes in the person they are caring for. Participants will learn effective communication strategies and will have the opportunity to practice these communication strategies with peers so that they are more comfortable using them at home. This series is three classes.
Date and Time
Dates: Mondays – January 15, 22, and 29, 2024.
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m
Location: Zoom
How to Register
Registration for each series is required as there are limited spaces available. To complete your registration, please contact our administrative assistant at 519-439-9336, ext. 2347.
Series Two: Understanding Behaviours with Practical Strategies
Responsive behaviours in people with dementia can sometimes confuse and challenge Care Partners. Gaining an understanding of these behaviours, what they are and why they are happening can assist Care Partners not only to manage their own individual responses, but also to help navigate the difficulties that responsive behaviours can bring to the caregiving relationship. This series teaches participants a variety of approaches to managing responsive behaviours and provides the opportunity to practice these approaches with peers so they are comfortable using them with the person they are caring for. This series is three classes.
Date and Time
Dates: Mondays – February 5, 12 and 26, 2024.
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
How to Register
Registration for each series is required as there are limited spaces available. To complete your registration, please contact our administrative assistant at 519-439-9336, ext. 2347.
Series Three: Strategies for Meaningful Activity Engagement
Engaging a person with dementia in meaningful activities can help maintain their sense of dignity and self-worth. A dementia diagnosis does not mean that the individual no longer has the interest or ability to contribute to and engage with the world around them. Participants will learn about what meaningful activities are and why they are important for people with dementia, how the stage of dementia impacts activity, and ways to identify a person’s skills, strengths, and abilities. Participants will learn and practice how to plan and initiate meaningful activities for the person they are caring for. This series is two classes.
Date and Time
Dates: Mondays – March 4 and 11, 2024.
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
How to Register
Registration for each series is required as there are limited spaces available. To complete your registration, please contact our administrative assistant at 519-439-9336, ext. 2347.
Series Four: Practical Strategies for Providing Personal Care
Learning to adapt to the changes involved in managing the activities of daily living (ADLs) for someone with dementia can help reduce stress and relieve the challenges of caregiving. This series teaches strategies and techniques that can assist Care Partnera in helping their loved ones take care of themselves, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting. It also looks at mobility challenges and different mobility aids. Presenters will provide examples of equipment that can be used to help with ADLs. This series is two classes.
Date and Time
Dates: Mondays – March 18 and 25, 2024.
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
How to Register
Registration for each series is required as there are limited spaces available. To complete your registration, please contact our administrative assistant at 519-439-9336, ext. 2347.