About our Cyril & Dorothy, Joel & Jill Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training
Sinai Health System’s Cyril & Dorothy, Joel & Jill Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training is a leader in the development of innovative models of care that support caregivers to feel more confident and able in their roles as caregivers, which they have demonstrated helps improve their ability to support an individual with dementia to remain at home longer.
The Reitman Centre’s interprofessional team includes Geriatric Psychiatrists, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists who are able to provide individual- or group-based supports to caregivers.
The centre’s CARERS Program is a specially designed 8-week group program that provides caregivers with the support and training they need to provide care to older family members with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The program allows caregivers to fully participate, since support and care can be provided for their family member with dementia at the same time.
The centre also offers TEACH, which is an interactive group training program focused on practical communication and coping skills for those caring for a family member or friend living with dementia. The program runs for four weeks, offering one 1.5-hour session per week. The sessions are focused on self-care, healthcare system navigation, relationship changes, and future planning.
Additionally, the centre offers tele-mindfulness, which is a mindfulness meditation program that has shown a positive impact on managing stress and coping with challenging emotions for those caring for a family member or friend living with dementia. The program is provided through a privacy protected video-streaming platform that runs for eight weeks, offering one two-hour session per week.
The centre has developed award-winning educational resources, such as mobile apps, tip sheets and videos that are available through its website: www.dementiacarers.ca
Currently, our Reitman Centre’s Programs are offered at both Mount Sinai Hospital and at the Bridgepoint Hospital Campuses as well as many Alzheimer Society offices across Ontario.
How to Get Referred to the Reitman Carers Program or Benefit from Reitman Centre Services
To be referred to our CARERS Program for individualized caregiver counselling and support, please have your primary, home, community or specialist care provider complete the Referral Form and fax it to 416-586-3231.
Currently, to participate in the CARERS Program, eligible caregivers must:
- Have a family member with a diagnosis of dementia living at home in need of care
- Provide direct care for their family member
- Be willing to participate in hands-on training in a group setting
For more information about the CARERS Program, individualized caregiver counselling and support or about the Cyril & Dorothy, Joel & Jill Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training, please contact the centre directly by phone at 416-586-4800 ext. 5882 or by email at Reitmaninquiries.MSH@sinaihealthsystem.ca
Date modified: 2019-04-04