According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba (ASM), more than 20,300 Manitobans currently live with dementia, a figure that is expected to rise significantly over the next 25 years.

When considering the family, friends, and caregivers connected to these individuals, the ripple effect is quite astounding. This is why, every October, ASM offers the Care4u Family Conference, designed as a day of learning for those who care for a person with dementia.

This year’s event will be held on October 18 at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre. The $50 entry fee includes breakout sessions, a buffet lunch, and access to ASM’s many resources and resource people.

This year’s theme is “From Insight to Impact: Turning Knowledge into Confident Care.”

Featured guest speakers include local and national healthcare and community professionals. Some of the topics up for discussion will revolve around legal situations, safety and wandering, daily and end-of-life care, medications, and creating dementia-friendly homes.

This year will mark the event’s fifteenth anniversary.

“Our goal is to bring together family members, individuals, and care partners who are providing care for someone living with a dementia diagnosis,” says Nicole McDonald, the Dementia-Friendly Senior Manager with ASM. “We’re providing them with a space that is a little bit more community based. They are coming and learning about certain elements of the dementia diagnosis that pertain to them where they’re at.”

While the conference is primarily education-oriented, it also serves as a community-building event since it brings together individuals from across the province, all dealing with someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia in its various stages.

“Another key piece of this is the idea that you’re not alone and here’s another 800 people that are going through a similar lived experience as you,” McDonald adds. “Let’s connect and find ways to keep that support going outside of this event.”

ASM staff members from around the province will be on hand at the conference to connect with attendees face to face. The sessions are also well attended by healthcare professionals looking to learn more to aid in patient care.

But you don’t have to know someone with a formal diagnosis to attend. McDonald says the conference and regular resources provided by ASM are there for everyone, including those who just want to learn.

By and large, services and resources provided by ASM are available at no cost. The Care4u Conference is the one exception to that rule.

“[The conference] will expand your knowledge and awareness of the topic of dementia. It just best prepares someone and equips them to be able to handle a dementia diagnosis at any point, no matter what stage.”

For those who are unsure whether dementia or Alzheimer’s is responsible for a family member’s behaviour, McDonald says there are three primary signs to watch for: a change in mood, a change in memory, or a change in speech and behaviour.

If any of these are detected, it may be a good idea to seek a professional diagnosis.

The ASM is a non-profit organization which has been providing resources and help to families for the past 40 years.