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Dementia

Caregiver Supports

Join us on "Mental Health Matters." In this episode, we explore two vital mental health topics: the impact of caregivers on mental health journeys and the innovative advancements in dementia care through the partnership between Ontario Tech University and the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, shedding light on hope and progress in Canada's dementia care landscape.

Webinar: Advances in Dementia Research

What is the Role of Virtual Reality in Supporting Dementia Caregivers? 

Summary: 

This webinar will provide an overview of the caregiving/care partnering role, in the context of caring for persons living with dementia, and the impact on the carers' health and wellbeing. Dr. Mary Chiu will review evidence-based interventions and training programs currently available to support carers for different aspects of this demanding role. She will introduce virtual reality as a technological tool, and its usefulness in supporting individuals in different roles and life circumstances, including dementia caregiving. 

Finally, Dr. Chiu will introduce a study, for which she is co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Amer Burhan, titled "Dementia Caregivers Skill Training Through Virtual Reality Simulation (VR-SIM Carers)". This study is inviting people to participate in a project designed to adapt a caregiver training program for dementia onto a Virtual Reality (VR) platform. 

You will have the opportunity to ask questions. 

About the Presenter: 

Dr. Mary Chiu holds a PhD from the University of Toronto. She is a Research Scientist at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, an Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University, and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. 

Dr. Chiu's research interests focus on the psychology of older adults with respect to social interactions and the concept of psychological resilience in the context of infomal caregiving and dementia. Her primary research aim is to identify factors that promote resilience and effective coping for this population. In addition, her work aims to identify components of group psychotherapy programs that make them effective in addressing complex needs and challenges of informal carers caring for someone living with dementia. 

For more information on the studies:  
https://tdn.alz.to/research_study/virtual-reality-vr-training-program-for-dementia-caregivers/ 

Email for more information:  
@email 

 

Geriatric Transitional Outreach (GTO)

The Geriatric Transitional Outreach (GTO) service provides short-term consultation and/or transitional support to seniors who are 65+ with general mental health (mood, anxiety, psychosis), and/or Dementia related illness.

The Mental Health Podcast: S1 E4 Dementia from the Inside: Bea's Story

As our population ages, the numbers of those living with dementia will increase right along. There is no cure and often the person's lifespan is only between 6 to 10 years. We rarely hear directly from those living with dementia exactly what it feels like. In this emotional episode, Bea Kraayenhof gives a first hand account of cognitive decline with messages for those diagnosed, their loved ones and for the public at large.

Advancement for Dementia Care Centre (ADCC)

Dr. Amer Burhan, Physician-in-Chief at Ontario Shores, and Dr. Winnie Sun, Assistant Professor at Ontario Tech, join us to talk about the Advancement for Dementia Care Centre (ADCC) in Episode 108 of the #MindVine mental health podcast. The ADCC aims to improve the quality of life of those living with dementia by using innovation to develop new approaches to support their psychosocial needs and behavioural challenges. The #MindVine podcast is hosted by Darryl Mathers (@DarrylMathers). The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The Use of Colour to Create Dementia Friendly Environments

Presented by:
Emily Campbell and Tiffany Fowler,
Recreation Therapists,
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

Learning Objectives:

  • To demonstrate how the use of colour can promote positive self-expressions
  • To inspire others to advocate for dementia friendly spaces
  • To demonstrate how the use of colour can promote independence