Dementia Programs and Services
The Region of Waterloo offers a variety of programs and services to support the needs of people living with dementia in the community.
On this page:
Day Programs
Day Programs provide meaningful social and recreational opportunities for people living with dementia. For care partners, it is an opportunity for a regular break, so they can continue providing care safely in the home.
Each program offers a safe and welcoming home-like environment, with an open-concept dining room, living room and kitchen, and home-cooked meals. Help is available for meals, personal care and taking medication. Program staff work with each participant to understand their needs, interests and abilities, so the program and activities can be tailored to them.
These programs are part of the Community Alzheimer Program and are funded by Ontario Health.
How to apply
To apply for the day and dinner programs, call Ontario Health atHome at 519-748-2222.
Locations, fees and schedule
Kitchener – 247 Franklin St. N.
Phone: 519-893-8494, ext. 6307 or ext. 6289
Fax: 519-893-1036
Email The Community Alzheimer Program
- Day Program (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) - $21.00 per day
- Subsidies are available to those who qualify
Cambridge – 150 Main St.
Phone: 519-893-8494, ext. 7807
Fax: 519-623-7649
Email The Cambridge Community Alzheimer Program
- Day Program (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) - $21.00 per day
- Subsidies are available to those who qualify
Waterloo – 420 Kingscourt Dr.
Phone: 519-893-8494, ext. 7806
Fax: 519-883-2225
Email The Waterloo Community Alzheimer Program
- Day Program (Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) - $21.00 per day
- Subsidies are available to those who qualify
Video Tours
What participants and care partners say about the program
"It's like a holiday to get out of the house and it gives my mind a chance to wake up a bit." - Program Participant
"There is no way that I could have been able to continue working without all the community support services we have received. Each and every one of you are caring, supportive, compassionate and professional even during challenging times. You have all become an extension of our family." - Care Partner
"It's keeping the disease at bay. I can't express enough, what I feel has saved this man. It's the staff. They make him feel like he's worth something." - Care Partner
Overnight Stay Program
This program offers short-stay overnight care for persons living with dementia. Participants will be invited to join the Kitchener Day Program during their stay.
How to apply
To apply for the Overnight Stay Program, please call Ontario Health atHome at 519-748-2222.
Locations, fees and schedule
The Overnight Stay Program is located at 247 Franklin Street North in Kitchener. It costs $46.60 per night. Subsidies are available to those who qualify.
Phone: 519-893-8494, ext. 6307
Fax: 519-893-1036
Email the Overnight Stay Program
Young Onset Dementia Association
When you are diagnosed with dementia before you are 65, it is called young onset dementia. To support the unique needs of persons living with this dementia, the Region created a social group called Young Onset Dementia Association (YODA).
YODA brings together people who are living with younger onset dementia to learn, socialize and explore new talents. Members design the program and decide what they want to do or learn; drawing on their individual interests, hobbies and skills.
How to apply
Email the Young Onset Dementia Association or call 519-893-8494 ext. 6289 for more information or to apply.
Location, fees and schedule
YODA is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 247 Franklin Street North in Kitchener. The cost is $21.00 per day. Subsidies are available to those who qualify.
Phone: 519-893-8494, ext. 6289
Email the Young Onset Dementia Association
What YODA members say about the program
In this video, YODA members share what the program means to them.
"There's a routine there, like when I was working. It reminds me that I have some strengths to offer, qualities I can share, experiences that others find interesting. It reminds me that I am still me. It's a welcomed break from my struggles with my brain. - YODA Member
"It provides me with a sense of accomplishment with being able to contribute and participate meaningfully in a group. And I feel like I can add something to someone else's day as they add to mine." - YODA Member
