Implementing a Scalable Intergenerational Dementia Companions Certification Program

Carer Pushing Senior Woman In Wheelchair Outside Home

Award Date: 2021

Project Lead(s): Dean Henderson, Director of Client Experience, Education and Innovation at The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County

Project Title: Implementing a Scalable Intergenerational Dementia Companions Certification Program

This project will use the expertise of the Champlain Dementia Network (CDN), a tool designed to help families and healthcare providers find the right type of support for people living with dementia, to train secondary students to become Dementia Champions. As Dementia Champions, students will help support social connectedness among older adults living with dementia. The curriculum will integrate components of existing education modules in an evidence-based format and incorporate individual and group-based online learning. A project coordinator will implement this certification with three high schools and facilitate the matching of students with families needing respite and social engagement opportunities.