Non-Medical Dementia Care Practices, Programs and Policies + Culturally Responsive Caregiver Support

Part One: Non-Medical Dementia Care Practices, Programs and Policies

Learn about innovative evidence-based dementia interventions such as dance and visual art, being offered in Canada and around the world. We will look at how various non-medical dementia programs can be designed, implemented, and how they can improve the lives of people living with dementia. We will also explore the policies around non-medical dementia programs in Ontario, Canada, and around the world.

Part Two: Culturally Responsive Caregiver (Informal) Support

Learn about the experience of caregivers and how caregiving has an impact on their physical and mental health. We will explore several programs and services that are designed to support caregivers from culturally diverse backgrounds and their loved ones that have dementia.

Shifting Understanding of Cultural Competency in Service Provision

In this session, Linda will explore the role of the service provider in building a culturally inclusive environment and share a number of tools and resources, interventions and strategies. What does evidence-based practice look like and how might we incorporate Togetherall into our approach. We will uncover how intersectionality combines to create both discrimination and privilege, and discuss what each of us can do to be an advocate, ally and accomplice.

Strength, Hope and Cultural Competency with Dr. Linda Kongnetiman

Dr. Linda Kongnetiman is a Provincial Manager in Addiction and Mental Health. She holds a PhD in Social Work and is an instructor at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Linda played a vital role in the development of Canada’s National Standards of Cultural and Linguistic Competency, has written extensively on the subject of cultural competency in health care, presented on the topic world-wide, and is much sought after for clinical consultations. A committed social justice advocate, she has worked tirelessly as a diversity coordinator to address barriers and cross-cultural issues facing both health-care providers and families. Her training and research focuses on preparing professionals for working in global contexts. She is the recipient of the People’s First Award from the former Calgary Health Region, and the Pulse of Social Work Advocacy Award.

This session will look at the experiences of racialized communities, the impact of immigration on a personal, professional and institutional level, and how racism translates into a determinant of health. We will explore what cultural competency means, why it is so important, and what it resembles at an individual and institutional level.

Does Canada provide culturally sensitive dementia care? with Ngozi Iroanyah

A professional development opportunity for service providers, organizations and planners who are concerned with building inclusive environments and advancing systemic change (policies, programs, infrastructure) in support of healthy aging for ethno-cultural seniors living with dementia.

Ngozi Iroanyah is a 3rd year PhD student in health policy and equity studies at York University. Her work focuses on the impact and experiences of dementia care policies on immigrant seniors. She is the daughter and caregiver of her 81-year-old Nigerian father who lives with dementia.

Equity in Health and Aging with Ngozi Iroanyah

A professional development opportunity for service providers, organizations and planners who are concerned with building inclusive environments and advancing systemic change (policies, programs, infrastructure) in support of healthy aging for ethno-cultural seniors living with dementia.

Ngozi Iroanyah is a 3rd year PhD student in health policy and equity studies at York University. Her work focuses on the impact and experiences of dementia care policies on immigrant seniors. She is the daughter and caregiver of her 81-year-old Nigerian father who lives with dementia.

Running Social Programs and Keeping Connected in the Age of Physical Distancing

Learn about some of the ways that technology and remote interventions (i.e. Zoom, WeChat) can be used to help our seniors overcome isolation and stay connected to community during these difficult times. We will also explore special considerations to make sure your community members with dementia and their caregivers can stay connected as well.

Implementing Culturally Responsive Dementia Programs

A resource for community groups and grassroots organizations who wish to implement their own culturally responsive strategies to keep community members with dementia and their caregivers engaged.

Hear first-hand what four ethno-cultural groups in Ottawa have implemented for their communities. Leaders from the South Asian, Chinese, Filipino and Somali communities will be able to answer questions and share their experiences of being more inclusive of people with dementia and their caregivers.