A Changing Melody, the annual conference for people suffering early-stage dementia and their partners in care, has been changing lives since it was first held in 2004. This year, at the fifth and final conference, held in Toronto in November, a resource guide was unveiled that may help groups and communities continue to change lives.
The Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP), based at the University of Waterloo, host and organizer of the conferences, unveiled its A Changing Melody Toolkit, a 177-page document that details how to plan and implement forums drawing on the perspectives of persons with early-stage dementia.
The kit identifies key principles that should guide the planning of such a forum; provides practical suggestions for enabling relationships with dementia patients; offers suggestions on how to assemble a planning committee; and provides examples of relevant topics and ways to incorporate the arts and other creative showcases to highlight the continued abilities of persons with dementia and connect with the emotional side of dementia.
It also offers suggestions on marketing and practical solutions for the potential challenges that planning committees may face.
Finally, it provides planning resources including templates for posters, brochures and manuals, and a timeline and comprehensive checklist.
"With this tool kit, people can learn how to develop forums specifically designed by and for persons with early-stage dementia and their family partners in care, with a focus on creating partnerships in dementia care and support," says Sherry Dupuis, MAREP director.
MAREP, in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, has also created an on-line forum where users can ask questions and get advice, provide feedback on the toolkit, and share stories. It can be accessed at alzheimer.ca/MAREPforum/.
