In today’s episode, Stephanie speaks with Dr. Ginny Wesson, a staff psychiatrist at Sinai Health System and a longtime leader in caregiver support at the Reitman Center. They discuss why it is imperative for dementia care to include both the person living with dementia and the care partner, and the research behind caregiver needs and the developing caregiver support programs to meet these needs.

Dr. Wesson shares the origins of the CARERS program, the research behind it, and how it has expanded across Ontario through Enhancing Care for Ontario Care Partners. 

About Dr. Ginny Wesson:

Dr. Virginia Wesson, MD, MSc, is a Staff Psychiatrist at the Sinai Health System, a Medical Director of the Enhancing Care Program, a Clinician Scientist at the Lunenfeld- Tanenbaum Research Institute and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. 

Since arriving at Mount Sinai in 2006, she has devoted her efforts to working with older adults including extensive work with care partners of family members living with dementia. This has included significant involvement in the innovation, design and delivery of the clinical interventions that form the core of the Reitman Centre and Enhancing Care Programs (CARERS and TEACH group programs). 

To learn more about the Reitman Centre and its programs visit: https://www.sinaihealth.ca/areas-of-care/psychiatry/the-reitman-centre-for-alzheimers-caregiver-support-and-training

Thank you to today’s sponsor, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. To learn more about AFTD please visit https://www.theaftd.org/

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

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