About Us
We provide compassionate support, tailored coaching and practical education for everyone impacted by dementia while building a dementia inclusive community.
Change the Story
Learn how The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County change the story.
Awareness and Inclusion
This project focused on reducing the stigma associated with dementia and improving the quality of life for all people affected by dementia.
We're Celebrating!
40 Years of Community, Compassion, Connections, Strength, & Support
Dementia is described often as a marathon: it requires pacing and stamina. That’s why at The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, we say that here, no one should face dementia alone.
At a kitchen table 40 years ago, a group of people facing dementia asked themselves “how can we make this better?” And with that, one of the most innovative dementia-support organizations in Canada was born.
Along the way, our organization developed numerous programs and approaches to support individuals diagnosed with dementia and the people who care for them. This includes our 1:1 Dementia Care Coach service which was developed in response to assist people based on their individual circumstances. This program was adopted nationally and was a precursor to many other service and support innovations like an ageing in place home assessments, and in-person, telephone and virtual visiting, and technology-support programs.
In 2017, the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County became a stand-alone entity to ensure that all the funds we raise stay here to benefit people living in our community, specifically.
Through compassionate support, tailored coaching and practical education, we help people to live well when faced with dementia, while building a dementia inclusive community.
The seminal question “How can we make this better?” continues to guide us today. Our Board of Directors, our management team and staff are proud to carry on this legacy of independence and innovation and community.
We are very grateful for the trust and support our community demonstrates for our work and look forward to celebrating this important milestone together in 2022. Cheers to 40 more!
Our Story
We are here to support people who live with dementia as they find new ways to live well.
The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County supports people in our region who live with dementia, including individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia as well as their caregivers, spouses, children, and close friends.
With funding from the Local Health Integration Network (Ontario Ministry of Health) and the support and generosity of many donors, we provide free education, programs, activities, and services for people impacted by dementia including caregivers and their loved ones.
We also work to reduce the stigma of dementia to make our community more accessible to those who live with dementia. Through education and increased awareness, we show the greater community how to be more inclusive and to take responsibility for their brain health.
Our Vision
Here, no one faces dementia alone. Our community is one where people affected by dementia are valued, supported, and included.
Our Values
Excellence
We deliver industry-leading dementia-specific programs and services based on evidence and best practice. We are committed to excellence in everything we do.
Courage
We are informed and inspired by people affected by dementia and work tirelessly to design and implement bold and innovative improvements for living with dementia.
Compassion
Through mutual respect and compassion, we build enduring, trusted connections with all clients, partners, and our community.
Inclusion
We value and reflect the diversity of our community, working together to achieve more.
How We Help
We offer a wide variety of services to serve the unique needs of individuals who are living with dementia, as well as for those who care for them. We offer education programs on many diverse topics, and activities and programs that enhance the lives of those who are living with dementia.
But one of the main ways we help people with dementia is through the help and guidance we offer to their family members and caregivers, who play such an important role in coordinating and providing support and care. Our Dementia Care Coaches listen and offer appropriate and supportive counsel as well as information and education about dementia and the caregiver role. They refer individuals to services and help them navigate the health and social care system.
As a community resource, the Dementia Society offers social, recreational and caregiver peer support to over 5,500 people every year. We do this only through the support of thousands of donors, volunteers, and supporters who sustain our efforts.
This is truly a community organization working for its community.
To know the members of our community is to know The Dementia Society.
Our History
For over 40 years, The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County has provided support, education and activities to people impacted by dementia in our region so that here, no one faces dementia alone.
1980
1982
1985
1989
1996
1998
2000
2001
2002
2005
2007
• Alzheimer Society changes name to Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County.
• Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County is one of four pilot sites to receive funding from Ontarion Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for First Link dementia support program.
2010
2013
2014
• Launched first-ever e-learning module "preparing for the move" to support those moving to long-term care homes.
