The SCALE Program is series of free webinars for unpaid, family caregivers every Tuesday beginning February 2nd to March 23rd, 2021. Facilitated by Leah Weisberg, RN, Michal Goldstein, RSW and Shoshana Kulik, RSW of Dynamic Health, the SCALE Program was designed to focus on a series of subjects that are applicable to new or experienced caregivers positioning you and your mental health and well-being at the center of the sessions.
Each week a different topic is presented, take one or sign-up for as many as you like during the eight week program.
As a caregiver, we understand how valuable your time is and that is why we developed a flexible program to best suit your schedule.
The SCALE Program webinars were designed to focus on a series of subjects that are applicable to new or experienced caregivers positioning you and your well-being at the centre of the sessions.
- Your Caregiving Journey (February 2nd, 2021; 12-1pm)
- How Caregiving Stress Affects You (February 9th, 2021; 12-1pm)
- How Caregivers can Overcome Sadness & Guilt (February 16th, 2021; 12-1pm)
- How Caregivers can Manage Anxiety & Anger (February 23rd, 2021; 12-1pm)
- Becoming a Mindful Caregiver (March 2nd, 2021; 12-1pm)
- The Self-Compassionate Caregiver (March 9th, 2021; 12-1pm)
- Find Your Caregiving Strengths (March 16th, 2021; 12-1pm)
- Time for Self-Care While Caregiving (March 23rd, 2021; 12-1pm)
If you are unable to attend the live sessions of the webinars, they will be recorded and available here after each event.
Online Group Coaching and One-on-one Telephone Counselling
- Register for Group Coaching and/or Private Counselling
Group coaching will be available every Wednesday and Monday while private counselling will be available every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday. All sessions are optional to attend if you are looking for additional support. Sessions are free of cost and completely confidential.
Register for Group Coaching and/or Private Counselling
Scale Program Facilitators
- Leah Weisberg
Leah Weisberg (RN, BC-NC) is a Nurse Psychotherapist & Coach and Director of Interprofessional Practice at Dynamic Health Clinic in Toronto. She is a Board Certified Nurse Coach through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation and views each person and situation from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual lens. Leah has seen first-hand the way caregiving affects one’s physical and emotional health, and she works with formal and informal caregivers on developing personal wellness plans that allow one to be in a better place to provide care to others. Leah is passionate about showing caregivers the power that relationships can have on the well-being of individuals and has worked with many nurses looking to decrease the stress involved in caring for sick patients. Leah is Past-President of the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association and a member of the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses. She lives in Toronto and spends her time advocating for an integrative approach to healthcare. She speaks to a variety of audiences about the ways in which the body and mind are connected.
- Michal Goldstein
Michal Goldstein (RSW) is a Registered Social Worker working at Dynamic Health Clinic in Toronto where she sees adults for individual, couples and group counselling. She is also the founder of Creating Connections, a play-based therapy practice in Toronto, where she works with children suffering from mental health and behavioral challenges. She has over a decade of experience working with caregivers to support them in improving their ability to cope with the challenges inherent in caring for someone else. Michal has developed numerous workshops and support group programs utilizing knowledge of interpersonal neurobiology and mindfulness techniques to support individuals suffering from physical health, mental health, and parenting challenges. She is passionate about bringing evidence-based practice to the forefront of the clinical social work field. Michal knows both first-hand and from professional experience, the challenges that come with caring for someone with a physical and mental health illness and is grateful for the opportunity to bring more awareness, education and support to this community.
- Shoshana Kulik
Shoshana Kulik (RSW) is a registered social worker at the Dynamic Health Clinic. She is caring and empathetic and has experience working at Circle of Care with the elderly. Shoshana has a strong awareness of the possible physical and emotional challenges that can arise from the responsibility of taking care of a loved one. With extensive mental health experience, she understands how the strains of caregiving can affect one’s mental health and that sharing ones’ struggles can give some relief from the stresses of continuous care for others. Shoshana utilizes the Strengths Based Model which capitalizes on a client’s strengths to foster growth. Her history of being a spiritual leader can help those who appreciate spirituality to find strength from the spiritual to help deal with challenging times.
This program is brought to you by the Ontario Caregiver Organization in partnership with Dynamic Health Clinic.
This two-part webinar will go into the psychological, emotional, and practical components of creating an emergency plan for caregivers.
About this Event
There are often set plans and routines that caregivers, whether a parent, friend or family member, rely on to create a sense of order and comfort in their daily life. Although life includes emergency situations that we can’t prevent, caregivers can be well-prepared should an emergency comes to pass.
“Planning For An Unexpected Emergency: A Caregiver Guide (two parts)” is designed to address the issues and concerns of caregivers associated with developing and implementing a crisis plan. The two-part webinar will go into the psychological, emotional, and practical components of such a plan. We will take into account the uniqueness of the caregiver relationship.
To register for Part 2 in English click here.
To register for Part 2 in French click here.
Sam Miller is a Registered Psychotherapist and has extensive experience in Trauma Response and Treatment and Wellness Initiatives. Sam has worked with many organizations and corporations in creating healthy, respectful, workplace environments as well as managing work-related traumatic events. In his psychotherapy practice, Sam has worked with a variety of clients both privately and within many different workplace settings. He has dealt with different clinical issues ranging from anxiety and stress to workplace change, conflict resolution and management-employee relations. Sam holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from McGill University.
Register here:
This two-part webinar will go into the psychological, emotional, and practical components of creating an emergency plan for caregivers.
About this Event
There are often set plans and routines that caregivers, whether a parent, friend or family member, rely on to create a sense of order and comfort in their daily life. Although life includes emergency situations that we can’t prevent, caregivers can be well-prepared should an emergency comes to pass.
“Planning For An Unexpected Emergency: A Caregiver Guide (two parts)” is designed to address the issues and concerns of caregivers associated with developing and implementing a crisis plan. The two-part webinar will go into the psychological, emotional, and practical components of such a plan. We will take into account the uniqueness of the caregiver relationship.
To register for Part 1 in English click here.
To register for Part 1 in French click here.
To register for Part 2 in English click here.
To register for Part 2 in French click here.
Sam Miller is a Registered Psychotherapist and has extensive experience in Trauma Response and Treatment and Wellness Initiatives. Sam has worked with many organizations and corporations in creating healthy, respectful, workplace environments as well as managing work-related traumatic events. In his psychotherapy practice, Sam has worked with a variety of clients both privately and within many different workplace settings. He has dealt with different clinical issues ranging from anxiety and stress to workplace change, conflict resolution and management-employee relations. Sam holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from McGill University.
Register here:
Join us for this free webinar and learn more about the Sharing Dance Older Adults programs, developed by Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) and Baycrest, industry leaders in dance training and geriatric care. More than just physical activity, dance is an artistic experience that taps into imagination, self-expression and a sense of connection and community. During this interactive presentation you will have the opportunity to hear more about the benefits of dance for people receiving care and their caregivers.
Register here.
To register for this event in French click here.
Megan N. Ferris is a Community Dance Specialist and the Coordinator of Partnerships and Evaluation at Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS). She is a graduate with distinction from the NBS Teacher Training Program and the Faculty of Arts at Ryerson University specializing in Early Childhood Studies. At NBS, Megan’s role focuses on providing dance programming to people of all ages and abilities, while coordinating partnership development as well as evaluation for on-site, in community and online programming. Along with teaching in NBS’ Community Dance Programs, Megan is also currently on faculty with the Teacher Training Program and the Associates Ballet Program.
Dr. Rachel Bar is the Director, Research and Health at Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) and a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the Trent Centre for Aging and Society. As a dance artist, she has been part of the multidisciplinary team that developed Baycrest and NBS’ approach to dance programming for older adults. As a researcher, she has been involved in several projects investigating how and why older adults can benefit from accessible dance innovations, including older adults living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Register:
Being a caregiver to someone with dementia can be challenging. Learn how to recognize a “responsive behaviour”.
About this Event
Being a caregiver to someone with dementia can be challenging.
In this webinar, caregivers will learn about “responsive behaviour” in people with dementia, and tips for identifying the underlying cause of this behaviour. Our speaker will discuss person-centered and practical approaches to supporting the person you are caring for in the context of a dementia diagnosis.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on responsive behaviours, and transitions in care will also be discussed. We will share resources and tools to assist caregivers with knowledge they can practice.
To register for this event in French click here.
Join Krista Schneider a Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Regional Education Coordinator with the Alzheimer Society of Chatham Kent. Before joining the Alzheimer Society, Krista managed Adult Day Programs in addition to facilitating art therapy sessions for those living with dementia. Given her wealth of experience both in this field but also as a care partner for her mom who is a person living with dementia, Krista continues to be actively involved in health care system discussions to improve the experience for those living with dementia and their care partners.
Register here:
When thinking abilities change, is it dementia?
About this Event
Join OCO and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario as we uncover 10 warning symptoms of dementia. Learn the importance of when and what medical tests to request as well as the benefits and the risks of seeking an early diagnosis of dementia.
Together, we will also explore brain care and how we can all be a little kinder to our brains.
To register for this event in French click here.
Our speaker Rhonda Crouse, is a First Link Care Navigator with the Alzheimer Society of Oxford. Rhonda was captivated by older adults early, hearing their diverse stories as an employee and volunteer in Long-Term Care. Her educational achievements include an BASc. (Gerontology) degree and a BSW degree (Award of Distinction). Rhonda has enjoyed her career at the Alzheimer Society of Oxford for 17 years. She is the First Link Care Navigator for an amazing team. Rhonda is grateful for the older adults who generously let her into their lives.
Register:
Are you a caregiver?
Physical distancing can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is true for family caregivers and the person they support.
Discussion will be driven by caregivers and facilitation will be done by an OCO staff member on the following days: Tuesday between 10a.m. – 11 a.m. Wednesday between 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (currently full) Thursday between 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m (currently full). All discussions are completely confidential. Connect with other caregivers. Register today. If these times don’t fit your schedule or you’d like to find out about other supports and programs offered by OCO, contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Discussion will be driven by caregivers and facilitation will be done by an OCO staff member on the following days:
Tuesday between 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday between 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (currently full)
Thursday between 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (currently full)
All discussions are completely confidential.
Connect with other caregivers. Register today.
If these times don’t fit your schedule or you’d like to find out about other supports and programs offered by OCO, contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
You can also join our mailing list to receive news as soon as new online support groups or other programs become available.
Registration link on Eventbrite:
This webinar is for caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities – finding joy in the season.
About this Event
Between buying presents for friends and family, decorating your home, and making festive meals, it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed by your to-do list over the holiday season.
The holidays can be a time of joy but for caregivers, the holidays can also be a stressful time – especially caregivers for adults with developmental disabilities.
Join Sherry Summers and Cindy Hartman as we learn first-hand tips from caregivers on how to sustain self-care by reducing stress, improving one’s well-being and by focusing on finding the joy in the holiday season!
Sherry and Cindy are Family Peer Mentors at the York Services Network. They help family caregivers of individuals, most especially children, with a developmental disability through one-to-one supports, resources, workshops and support groups.
This webinar is for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities – finding joy in the season.
About this Event
Between buying presents for friends and family, decorating your home, and making festive meals, it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed by your to-do list over the holiday season.
The holidays can be a time of joy but for caregivers, the holidays can also be a stressful time – especially caregivers for children with developmental disabilities.
Join Cindy D. Hartman and Sherry Summers, Family Peer Mentors at the York Services Network, as we learn first-hand tips from caregivers on how to sustain self-care by reducing stress, improving one’s well-being and by focusing on finding the joy in the holiday season.
Financial planning for caregivers
About this Event
Becoming a caregiver impacts every aspect of your life, including your personal finances. When you become a caregiver, the emotional and financial stakes are high. The future may be uncertain, your expenses may go up, your income may be impacted and you may need to make big decisions. Join financial planner Shannon Lee Simmons for a fireside chat about how to navigate your finances when you begin your caregiving journey.
Presenter Shannon Lee Simmons is an award winning Certified Financial Planner, speaker, Chartered Investment Manager, author and founder of the New School of Finance. Her two books, Worry-Free Money and Living Debt-Free are best sellers. She is a personal finance writer for the Globe and Mail as well as CBC Radio’s Metro Morning money columnist and financial expert on The Marilyn Denis Show.
