Tuesday, February 08, 2011
First Link – Supporting People with Dementia
First Link® is a valuable framework available in our region to support people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, and their families.
Provided by the Alzheimer Society, this framework includes education, individual and community supports and health care services to those directly affected by dementia. Its goal is to help participants maintain a quality of life while navigating the changes and challenges that dementia brings.
First Link provides:
- One-on-one supportive counselling
- Support/Discussion Groups
- A learning series that includes topics such as First Steps for People with Dementia and Caregivers, Next Steps for Families, Care Essentials, Options for Care, Late-Stage Dementia Care, and End of Life Dementia Care.
- Connections to Alzheimer Society and other community supports and services.
Developed in 2003 by the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County and the Champlain Dementia Network, First Link has become a best practice. It is now offered in most areas of Ontario, and in several provinces. The Canadian Consensus Guidelines on Dementia (Hogan et.al., 2007), created by 45 medical experts, recommend primary care providers use First Link as a support to individuals and families affected by dementia.
In the Champlain region, First Link is offered through:
Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District,
Alzheimer Society of Lanark County,
Alzheimer Society of Leeds-Grenville and
Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County
Source: Champlain Local Health Integration Network
Email: champlain@lhins.on.ca
Website: www.champlainlhin.on.ca
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