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Dementia Education Program Newsletter

Offering a “prescription of care” to people living with dementia and their caregivers

Dementia, Your Companion Guide is a FREE educational guide for people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers that was created by a multidisciplinary team from the 鶹ýվ Dementia Education Program (DEP) in 2021.

It represents the vision of Claire Webster, former caregiver and founder of the DEP, to educate and empower people living with dementia and their caregivers by creating a ‘prescription of care’ so that the people who came after her would be better informed about this condition.

With engaging illustrations and a friendly writing style, this approachable guide covers a wide array of topics, including information on the science and progression of dementia as well as practical advice on safety and self-care for both the caregiver and the PLWD.

Thanks to generous initial and continued funding from the Grace Dart Foundation, this free guide is now available in 14 languages and has been accessed over 70,000 times on our website. Furthermore, over 36,000 print copies have been handed out at 鶹ýվ-affiliated memory and geriatric clinics, at conferences and at public lectures to community organizations and healthcare workers.

“At the heart of our mission is improving the lives of vulnerable seniors, and this project exemplifies that commitment. We would like to recognize and thank the remarkable team at 鶹ýվ, along with the many caregivers, clinicians, and individuals living with dementia whose insights helped shape this valuable resource. Their dedication and lived experience have made the guide what it is: a beacon of clarity, compassion, and empowerment,” expressed Ms. Elise Nesbitt, President and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Grace Dart Foundation.

Promotional ad of the guide with QR code

The guide continues to gain momentum and recognition, both in Quebec and internationally.

In October 2025, the Fondation de la Féderation des médecins spécialistes du Québec joined the Grace Dart Foundation to support the printing and distribution of these guides and make them freely available at specialized clinics throughout the province of Quebec.

“One of the greatest challenges faced by people with dementia and their caregivers is the lack of appropriate, compassionate, and accessible resources in an often fragmented system. In response to this reality, this book provides concrete answers, and offers practical tools and advice, along with guidance and support for each step of the journey. It powerfully and compassionately underscores the vital importance of acknowledging and supporting caregivers—these unsung heroes who devote their energy, their time, and sometimes their own health to caring for a loved one,” says Dr. Vincent Oliva
President of the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec and of the Fondation de la FMSQ.

Furthermore, Dementia, Your Companion Guide was accepted for inclusion on the World Health Organization’s Global Dementia Observatory Knowledge Exchange Platform, taking its place as a high-quality resource on the global stage.

The Dementia Education Program team is incredibly grateful to its donors and supporters, who enable us to get this valuable guide into the hands of those who need it most.

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