First Link

First Link™ offers four separate progressive learning series and covers every step of the dementia journey:

First Steps for People with Dementia/Next Steps for Families and Friends

The First Steps for People With Dementia series is designed to help individuals newly diagnosed with a dementia and their caregivers to 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.  The Next Steps series will offer family members and friends caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease (or a related dementia) an overview of dementia.  The topics discussed in this series will be much the same as those listed under First Steps for People with Dementia.

Topics Include:    What is Dementia?;  Memory Loss, Changes to  the  Brain and Resulting Behaviours; Coping Strategies; Drugs, Treatment, and Research; Future Planning - Legal & Financial Issues; Community Resources and Support Systems.

Care Essentials 

This series will offer family members and friends caring for people with Alzheimer's disease (or a related dementia) problem solving strategies, approaches for communication, and available avenues for support - all of which can strengthen their ability to provide care.  

Topics Include: The Progression of Dementia; Understanding Behaviour; Day to Day Care; Community Resources.

Options for Care

This series is to help family members and friends caring for people with Alzheimer's Disease (or a related dementia) to evaluate their current caregiving needs and to 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; Coping with Change- How to Make the Transition

Care in the Later Stages

This series is to help family members and friends of people with Alzheimer's disease (or a related dementia) understand what to expect in the later stages of dementia.  This series will explore how participants can provide comfort to the person with dementia as well as review the experiences of grief and loss.  

Topics Include: The Natural Course of the Later Stages; How to Recognize Pain and Distress; How to Provide Care that Promotes Dignity; Comfort and Quality of Life