Dementia

Creating comfort and belonging for people living with dementia

Creating a comfortable environment for people living with dementia is crucial for their wellbeing. Whether you have been diagnosed yourself, or care for someone living with dementia, there are simple things you can do to make home welcoming and calming. We spoke with...

MINT Memory Clinics Show Health System Savings of $51,500 Per Patient and Improved Quality of Life for Persons Living with Dementia

Waterloo, Ont. – A new study exploring the cost-effectiveness analysis of MINT Memory Clinics found net cost savings of $51,500 per patient as compared to those in Ontario without the service, with improvement in quality of life for those living with dementia. The...

Empowering people to live well with dementia

Research shows that when a dementia diagnosis is made, most people feel overwhelmed and they don’t get the support, resources and help they need. Forward with Dementia is a website created to improve the experience and care for people living with dementia and their...

6 tips to create a successful intergenerational program

Did you know… social isolation has a significant impact on the well-being and physical and mental health of older adults and those providing them with care. Social isolation is often defined as the objective lack of, or limited, social contact with others. The good...

New initiative helps people navigate a dementia diagnosis

Research shows that when a dementia diagnosis is made, the supports provided often aren’t enough. Most people feel overwhelmed, and they don’t get the support, resources and help they need. Forward with Dementia was created to address this issue. The University...

Breaking down barriers to exercise with DICE

Imagine going to a new gym to take an exercise class, but you don’t know where to go once you step in the front door. There are no signs to direct you, or available staff to assist. Once you finally find the room, the music is a little too loud and you...

Seniors’ care enriched by Living Classroom model

Personal support workers (PSWs) provide hands-on care for more than 80,000 long-term care residents across Ontario. Their role in our healthcare system is vital to the well-being, health and quality of life of older adults. In early 2020, a report from the Ontario...

New By Us For Us guide stands up to social isolation

Over the last year, many people have struggled with feelings of isolation and loneliness as regular routines and relationships were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For people living with dementia and care partners, the risk of social isolation is high even during...

LIVING the Dementia Journey program added to PSW Fund education offerings

The Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (Ontario CLRI) at the RIA is thrilled to announce that a second education training option has been added to the PSW Education Fund. Long-term care (LTC) homes can now enroll for tuition and...

MAREP featured on Dementia Dialogue podcast

The latest episode of the Dementia Dialogue Podcast featured RIA’s Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP) and two familiar faces. Brenda Hounman, a dementia advocate, person living with dementia and By Us For Us Guide founder, and Sherry Dupuis, RIA...

RIA enhancing national dementia care

December 2020 In 2019, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced the launch of Canada’s first national dementia strategy, a milestone in our country’s efforts to help people affected by dementia and address the impact of dementia on social and health care systems....

RIA announces $1.3M in funding for community programs supporting intergenerational partnerships

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is pleased to announce over $1.3 Million has been awarded to community projects in Waterloo Region supporting older adults living with dementia. Supporting Inclusion through Intergenerational Partnership (SIIP) is a...

RIA receives $2M in federal funding to lead national dementia projects

La version française du communiqué se trouve sous la version anglaise. Nearly half a million Canadians are living with dementia, and that number will grow as the population ages. The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) was awarded $2M in federal funding to...

Working together for better dementia care resources

On September 21, around the world people celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day. This day is an opportunity to share stories of dementia and Alzheimer’s, to spread awareness and reduce the stigma people living with dementia face. The RIA is proud to work with an inspiring...

International project will improve dementia diagnosis and post-diagnosis experience

There are too often significant gaps during and after a dementia diagnosis. On top of long wait-times to have testing done in the first place, family and care partners are often left in the dark about what their diagnosis is and where they can turn for help...

RIA receives funding to promote social inclusion among older adults living with dementia

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) announced its latest initiative to enhance life for those living with dementia in Waterloo Region at a public event hosted February 14, 2020. The Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors, was on hand to make the...