The Alzheimer Society of Toronto believes that personal support workers make a great contribution to the care of people with dementia. We are pleased to offer this one day of education focusing on knowledge and skills to support you in your role.

This event is for:

Personal support workers (PSWs)

PSW students

PSW program instructors

Health-care providers

Live-in caregivers

Topics and Speakers:

PSW Experiences

Anna Grytchenko, Personal Support Worker

Anna Grytchenko will speak about her experiences working as a PSW for the past year and a half.

Drugs and Drug Interactions in Dementia

Nathan Hermann, MD, FRCPC

This talk will highlight the benefits and risks of each of the 5 drugs approved in Canada for dementia treatment.

Self-care and Stress Management

Janet Murchison, OT Reg (Ont)

This session is on Mindfulness as an effective technique in relieving stress which is crucial to the health of both caregivers and their clients.

Conflict Resolution

Marija Padjen, MSW, RSW, Chief Program Officer Alzheimer Society Toronto

This session will focus on exercises to improve listening and communication skills and to learn how to remain calm in stressful situations.

Hearing Loss & Dementia

Debbie Ostroff, Msc. S, Clinical Audiologist, Reg. CASLPO

This presentation will discuss the link between hearing loss and dementia, the importance of managing hearing loss and will offer communication strategies.

Communication & Swallowing Difficulties in Dementia

Kara N. Bagnulo, BHSc, MHsc, Speech Language Pathologist, S-LP (C) Reg. CASLPO

Types of dementia and their effect on communication will be discussed. Strategies to enhance communication and functioning will be provided.

Behaviours and Communication

Dr. Colleen A. Ray, Ph.D., C.Psych.

This session will cover the cognitive and emotional processing differences in two types of dementia, the impact on communication and how to apply this info.

Caregiver Experiences

Rev. Myrna Gadsby, Family Caregiver

Myrna will talk about her experiences in caring for her husband whom she cared for at home and in a long-term care facility.