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Welcome

Do you support someone experiencing changes in mood or behaviour related to dementia? You have come to the right place.

The Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit is an online library of over 300 free resources. The goal of the Toolkit is to help you better understand and compassionately respond to dementia-related changes in mood and behaviour.

Created by the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH), the Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit is designed to help care partners and health care providers support people with dementia to live well.

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A message from Elder Larry Frost

Within Indigenous communities, a person with dementia is cherished as a “loved one,” emphasizing the importance of compassion and respect. Recognizing the intrinsic value of each individual, especially those with dementia, we advocate for empathy and honour in caregiving. Anchored in a holistic understanding of health, the resources in this Toolkit delve into the interconnected facets of spiritual, emotional, physical, and social well-being. Through the channels of education, narrative sharing, and deep-rooted wisdom, we pave the way for compassionate care. Join us in this transformative journey.

Learn from Indigenous perspectives on dementia care with these resources.

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Browse resources developed specifically for health care providers.

Recommended resources

Online resources to support caregivers and families

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April 3, 2024
By Dr. Adriana Shnall My name is Dr. Adriana Shnall and I lead the Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Caregiving  at Baycrest.  I work with caregivers and families to plan and trial approaches to support people who are experiencing behaviours in dementia. Most people living with dementia have some awareness of changes in their mood…
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A physician’s perspective on medications, caregiving, and person-centered care

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March 20, 2024
By Mark Rapoport, MD, FRCPC Like many physicians, I see people with a lot of different conditions. I don’t treat people experiencing behaviours in dementia full-time, so I need to look up the latest and greatest evidence to provide the best possible care. That’s why the Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit is an important resource for…
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Behaviour specialists’ recommended resources for clinicians & care partners

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March 6, 2024
As part of Behaviour Supports Ontario (BSO), our team specializes in support for older adults, and care partners of older adults, exhibiting complex responsive behaviours/personal expressions associated with dementia, mental health, substance use and/or other neurological conditions related to aging. We are located in Northwestern Ontario and support individuals residing within the city and district…
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Five seriously fun ideas from a Recreation Therapist

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February 21, 2024
As Recreation Therapist, I help people with dementia improve their overall well-being and support them to live full lives through fun and leisure activities. After a diagnosis of dementia, life can feel unsatisfying and limited. By focusing on personal strengths and remaining capacities, and being open to new experiences, it is possible to live well…
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two women gardening

Effective online supports help navigate behaviours in dementia

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January 30, 2024
Whether you are a health care professional or a family caregiver, caring for an individual with dementia is not easy. The experience can be isolating, and it can be extremely challenging to navigate the difficult situations you may now find yourself in. The good news is that expert advice and support is now widely available…
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