When a diagnosis of dementia is first made or throughout the journey, individuals and families may feel overwhelmed and be unsure of where to get support. The First Link referral program provides a way for you to connect people to help and support through us.

If you are a physician or health care professional working in family practice, healthcare facilities or the community, you can help people by referring them to the Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington.

First Link provides a holistic assessment performed by a registered social worker for persons living with dementia and their caregivers, connecting them to supports from the time of diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease.

Services include:
• One on one and family counselling with registered social workers
• Support groups with registered social workers
• Education sessions and resources
• Peer Connections social program for persons living with dementia and
caregivers
• Minds in Motion exercise/therapeutic recreation program for persons
living with dementia and caregivers
• iPod Music Project
• Ongoing follow-up support from registered Social workers