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Learning the Ropes for Living with MCI® is a program designed to support cognitive health through healthy lifestyle choices, memory training, and social support. It is for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their close family or friends. MCI is a decline in memory or thinking that is more than what is typical for age but does not seriously affect daily independence.

Program Content Includes:

  • Education about MCI and lifestyle factors for promoting cognitive health and reducing risk of dementia
  • Memory training involving practical strategies aimed at improving everyday remembering, such as memory for names, appointments, location of items, and things to do
  • Family support focused on discovering approaches for effectively living with a relative experiencing MCI

View the Program Brochure

Want to learn more? Everyone is welcome to participate in our free, interactive webinar Learning the Ropes Foundations. You can access it in English by clicking this link here. You can access this webinar in French here and in Spanish here.

This 45-minute webinar can be completed at your own pace and communicates three key teachings from our 7-session Learning the Ropes for Living with MCI® Program.
 

Eligibility

Referral by a healthcare professional is required. Clients age 50 years and older who reside in Ontario are welcome. Clients must be functionally independent (i.e., no dementia), have a memory complaint consistent with MCI, and be available and interested in participating in a virtual or in-person group program with 7 weekly sessions.

Fee

There is a charge of $150 to participate in the 7 session program. This fee covers participation for our clients with MCI, their participating family member or friend, and one hardcopy of the program workbook. It is highly recommended that participating friends and family members purchase an additional copy of the workbook for $20 at the time of registration. Private health insurance plans may cover the program participation fee. Some financial assistance is available for those who cannot afford the program fee.

How to refer

Referrals are accepted from healthcare professionals at Baycrest and from the community. Community referrals must be made on our referral form, available below. Please attach any relevant clinical information (e.g., cognitive screening scores) or consultation reports (e.g., neurology, neuropsychology).

Download the Referral Form for Learning the Ropes
 

Other sites offering Learning the Ropes for Living with MCI®

 
The sites listed below have purchased Learning the Ropes for Living with MCI® kits to administer the program. We are providing contact information (with permission from the sites) to members of the public who are seeking the service in their community. If you wish to be listed on this page because you have purchased a kit, and are currently delivering Learning the Ropes for Living with MCI®, please contact us.
  • Additional Resources
    Please note that Baycrest makes no representations or warranties regarding the quality of the services provided by the sites listed below.  Baycrest has not independently verified the credentials of the sites to administer Learning the Ropes for Living with MCI®.  Baycrest assumes no responsibility for the activities of these sites.
     
    In Ontario Outside Ontario

    Ontario West

    Site: Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington - Kitchener Office
    Contact Name: Gail Roth
    Email: groth@alzheimerww.ca 

    Site: Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce (virtual only, offered over Zoom)
    Catchment Area: Owen Sound
    Contact Name: Sandra Hong
    Email: shong@alzheimergreybruce.comPhone: (519) 376-7230 or 1-800-265-9013
    Website: www.alzheimer.ca/greybruce

     

    Ontario Central 

    Site: Sunnybrook Hospital, Specialized Geriatric Services
    Catchment area: North - Highway 401; South – St. Clair Avenue; East – Victoria Park Avenue; West – Avenue Road
    Phone: (416) 480-6888
    Fax: (416) 480-4778
    Website: https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=dept-sgs

    Site: Queen Square Family Health Team (Brampton/Peel)Catchment area: Rostered patients of the Queen Square Family Health Team
    Contact Names: Anuja Panditrao, OT Reg. (Ont.), Marina Rezkalla, OT Reg. (Ont.)
    Email: APanditrao@queensquarefht.ca
    Phone: (905) 453-1453 x329

    Victoria, British Columbia

    Site: Specialist Memory Clinic - Senior’s Outpatient Clinic, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Island Health
    Catchment area: Greater Victoria Area
    Email: CHIRN@islandhealth.ca

     

    Calgary, Alberta

    Site: Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre (Geriatric Mental Health), Alberta Health Services (Calgary Zone)
    Catchment Area: Calgary and Area
    Contact Name: Dr. Calandra Speirs, Ph.D., R. Psych.
    Email: Calandra.Speirs@ahs.ca 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
 

Resource on MCI

Living with Mild Cognitive ImpairmentLiving with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Guide to Maximizing Brain Health and Reducing Risk of Dementia is the first comprehensive book to be published on MCI.

Learn More

Resources for Program Facilitators