An opportunity to learn about dementia.

The Alzheimer Society Kenora-Rainy River Districts is offering a four-week session starting September 20 entitled the First Step, Next Step Learning Series.

Client Services Coordinator Mary O’Connor says it is aimed at families with a loved one who is newly diagnosed with dementia.

“Week one, we spend two hours talking about what is dementia. That’s all we talk about. Week two, we talk about changes in the brain. We talk about risk and risk safety and how you determine that. We also talk about medications for dementia and interactions with other medications,” says O’Connor.

“Week number three, we talk about POAs (powers of attorney), and we talk about wills. We actually have a little script on how to have that conversation, which can be a very touchy conversation to have. Week number four, we talk about planning ahead and what we actually have here in Fort Frances as community supports.”

The session is free, but space is limited.

“It’s only open to people who have a loved one with dementia. Confidentiality is so important. And at the end, when we talk about other things that are out there. We’ll talk about my in-person support group in Fort Frances. We’ll talk about our virtual weekly support group. We’ll talk about upcoming education that we’ll have this fall. When everybody who takes this (will) come out of there with helpful, useful, practical information.”

To register, contact O’Connor by email at mary@alzheimerkrr.com or contact the Alzheimer Society’s Kenora office at 1-800-682-0245.