Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Conestoga has been awarded $800,000 over two years from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to support a project developed and led by the college’s Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation (CHCRI) to develop education and training resources for dementia caregivers.
Announced January 27 during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the funding is part of a $4.7 million investment by PHAC through its Dementia Community Investment Fund program to support community-based projects that seek to optimize the health and well-being of people living with dementia and their caregivers.
“In January, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we recognize the profound impact dementia has on people and on the family members and friends who care for them. We also honour the organizations working every day to improve their quality of life. These investments in innovative, community-based initiatives not only allow us to deepen our understanding of dementia, but also improve the health and quality of life for people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers,” said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health.
As a leader in dementia care programming, CHCRI will develop e-learning modules that provide practical information and strategies for those supporting people living with dementia, with a focus on caregiver awareness, resilience and empowerment. The national initiative will include interactive online learning, peer-to-peer support opportunities, and webinars designed to strengthen caregivers’ knowledge, confidence and well-being.
"Dementia touches the lives of most Canadians," said Linda Sheiban Taucar, director of CHCRI. "These modules will bring essential information and practical insights to caregivers in our organization, our community and beyond."
To ensure the modules reflect the voices and lived experiences of caregivers and dementia professionals, the research team is taking a co-design approach by engaging community members from across the country through an 18-member advisory committee. These consultations will play a key role in aligning the modules with the unique needs and challenges faced by those supporting people living with dementia.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, there are close to 800,000 Canadians living with dementia as of January 1, 2025, with that number expected to reach nearly one million by 2030.
In a joint statement, Tim Louis, MP for Kitchener-Conestoga, Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo, and Dominique O’Rourke, MP for Guelph, highlighted the importance of the investment.
“This investment of $800,000 from the Public Health Agency of Canada represents an important step forward in supporting people living with dementia and the family and friends who care for them. With this new funding, more families will gain the knowledge, confidence, and support they need as they navigate the challenges of dementia. Working together, we’re helping ensure every caregiver feels supported, valued, and equipped to provide compassionate care.”
The modules will be available in both English and French, free of charge, starting early summer 2026. The initiative reflects CHCRI’s continued commitment to developing accessible, community-informed resources that support caregivers and improve quality of life for people living with dementia.
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